MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has charged before the Sandiganbayan former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan and his son, Maimbung, Sulu Mayor Samier Tan in connection with their alleged failure to file their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) from 2007 to 2011.
The Ombudsman filed seven counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”, against the Tans such that five counts for the elder Tan and two counts for his son.
Both the father and the son were accused of “willfully, unlawfully, and criminally” failing to file their SALNs with the disclosure of business interest and financial connections and identification of relatives in government service under oath and submit them to the Ombudsman.
Abdusakur allegedly failed to file his SALN for the years 2007 to 2010, while Samier failed to submit his own SALN for years 2010 and 2011.
The Ombudsman recommended a total bail bond of PHP50,000 and PHP20,000 for the temporary liberty of Abdusakur and Samier, respectively.
In the related administrative case, the Ombudsman suspended Samier for six months, while Abdusakur was fined an equivalent of his six months’ salary, since he is no longer in public office.
However, the Ombudsman dismissed the graft charges filed against Abdusakur by his former political opponent, Temogen Tulawie, and critic Abner Tahil on the alleged irregular release of suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members in 2013.
The anti-graft body said it is dismissing the case for violation of Sections 3(e) and (f) of RA No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, due to the complainants’ failure to present proof of their allegations. (Perfecto Raymundo, Jr./PNA)
