THE Office of the Ombudsman has charged Bai Zandria Ampatuan, mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao, over her alleged non-filing of Statement of Assets Liabilities and Networth (SALN).

She was likewise ordered suspended for six months, without pay.

According to the Ombudsman, Ampatuan's failure to file her SALNs from 2009 up to 2011 constitutes four counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

Due to her failure to disclose her assets, the Ombudsman has also slapped the mayor with a charge of Simple Neglect of Duty.

Section 8 of R.A. No. 6713 provides that public officials and employees should submit their SALNs.

On May 11, former Supreme Court chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was removed from her post due to her supposed failure to disclose her assets. (Keith A. Calayag/SunStar Philippines)