Ex-Cebu mayor indicted over unliquidated cash advance

MANILA, Philippines — A former municipal mayor in Cebu has been charged with graft for allegedly failing to liquidate a cash advance he received in 2006.

In a complaint filed recently before the Sandiganbayan, former Oslob mayor Emilito Abines was charged with violation of Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.

Records showed that in October 2006, Abines received a check amounting to P12,500 for his travel allowance.

The Office of the Ombudsman said Abines failed to liquidate the amount in violation of the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA).

A P6,000 bail was recommended for Abines’ liberty.

The charge sheet was prepared by Assistant Special prosecutor Jorge Espinal on Jan. 16. It was approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on April 5.