Duero Mayor Al Cadorniga Taculad stepped down on Sept. 16 after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal for grave misconduct over his financial interest in municipal projects awarded to his construction firm.
Vice Mayor Hernes Bajao assumed the mayoralty following Taculad’s departure.
The Ombudsman found Taculad liable for violating laws on ethical conduct, anti-graft practices, and local government rules after Altacs Construction, which he owned, received P76.2 million for two municipal projects.
Taculad was also ordered to forfeit his retirement benefits and was permanently barred from holding public office, while the Ombudsman found basis for a possible criminal complaint against him.
Taculad denied wrongdoing and said he voluntarily stepped down to comply with the order, while claiming the case was filed by political opponents to derail his public service and political career.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 18, 2026
