The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed the filing of Informations against former Mayor Feliciano Legaspi Sr. of Norzagaray, Bulacan, for 40 counts of Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions before the Sandiganbayan. Legaspi faces charges for solemnizing 39 marriages and issuing a business permit despite being suspended for six months by the Ombudsman.
Investigation disclosed that the Ombudsman ordered Legaspi suspended for six months from December 2012 to June 2013 but Legaspi continued to discharge the duties and responsibilities of a mayor.
Legaspi was ordered suspended after the Ombudsman found him guilty of Oppression or Grave Abuse of Authority in a separate administrative case.
In a 15-page Resolution, it was stated that “the decision of the Ombudsman is immediately executory pending appeal and could not be stayed by the filing of an appeal or the issuance of an injunctive writ.” It added that “during this period, [Legaspi] was barred from discharging his duties and responsibilities as municipal mayor.” ###