The Office of the Ombudsman has imposed lifetime bans from public service on former Silang, Cavite Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna and his brother Nathaniel Anarna Jr. for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to public interest.
The ruling marks the second dismissal for the Anarna brothers, who were previously removed from office in 2024. This time, the sanctions include forfeiture of retirement benefits and fines equivalent to one year’s salary each.
The Ombudsman found that Alston Anarna appointed his brother Nathaniel to head the municipality’s Bids and Awards Committee despite lacking proper qualifications. The decision cited compromised transparency in the procurement process.
Investigators alleged that 1.5 billion pesos in financial transactions lacked proper documentation during the brothers’ tenure. However, the Ombudsman dismissed nepotism charges for “lack of merit.”
The 2024 dismissal had already removed both men from their positions. Earlier this year, the Commission on Elections disqualified Alston Anarna from running for mayor and nullified his proclamation.
Alston Anarna has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Comelec disqualification through a temporary restraining order.
The complaints were filed by current Mayor Edward Carranza, former Vice Mayor Mark Anthony Toledo and Councilor Perpetuo Desingaño, who alleged procurement irregularities and fund misuse.
Nathaniel Anarna Jr. served as municipal administrator and chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee under his brother’s administration.
The fines imposed on both brothers are payable to the Office of the Ombudsman.
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