Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ombudsman exonerates Santa Maria mayor in 2022 poll charges
The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed all administrative charges against Santa Maria, Laguna Mayor Ma. Rocelle 'Cindy' Carolino related to alleged irregularities in ballot box security during the 2022 national elections.
LSN Philippines ·
The Ombudsman's decision, announced Sunday, cleared Carolino of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and serious dishonesty. The charges had been filed following reported lapses in the securing of ballot boxes during the May 2022 elections.
The exoneration represents a significant development for the municipal chief executive, who had faced scrutiny over election-related security procedures. The administrative complaints centered on alleged inadequacies in how ballot materials were handled and protected in the lead-up to and during the national polls.
With the Ombudsman's dismissal of all charges, Carolino has been fully cleared of wrongdoing in connection with the electoral matter. The ruling concludes the administrative proceedings that had been pending against the Santa Maria mayor.