The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of Duero Mayor Al Cadorniga Taculad after finding sufficient evidence that he violated conflict-of-interest laws and committed grave misconduct while in office.

In the decision dated Sept. 1, 2026, the Ombudsman found that Taculad violated Section 7(b)(1) and Section 9 of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, along with related provisions of RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 7160, the Local Government Code.

The administrative complaint centered on allegations that Taculad held financial interest in two infrastructure projects in his municipality — a river control project under Contract ID 23HB0070 and a rainwater collector system under Contract ID 23HB0132.

According to the Ombudsman, his construction company, Altacs Construction, entered into contracts for both projects while he was serving as municipal mayor.

The Ombudsman said the company received a total of P76,216,379.77 for the projects, paid through Authority to Debit Account transactions and checks.

Investigators considered bidding documents, Omnibus Sworn Statements, Notices of Award, Contract Agreements, Notices to Proceed, Department of Trade and Industry registration records, and delivery and payment documents, among other evidence.

The Ombudsman said the law prohibits a local chief executive from holding direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any private business or transaction that is barred to him while in office.

Investigators also found that Taculad failed to divest his business interest in the construction company after assuming the mayorship.

As a result, the Ombudsman found Taculad guilty of grave misconduct in the administrative case and imposed the penalty of dismissal from service, along with forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility, and a bar from taking civil service examinations.

The Ombudsman noted that if the dismissal can no longer be enforced because Taculad has already left service, the penalty may be converted into a fine equivalent to one year’s salary, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman and deductible from his retirement benefits, accrued leave credits, or other amounts due him from his office.

Separately, the Ombudsman said it found sufficient evidence to pursue a criminal complaint against Taculad for alleged violations of Section 3(h) of RA 3019, Sections 7(b)(1) and 9 of RA 6713, and Section 514 in relation to Sections 89(b) and 90(a) of RA 7160.

The Ombudsman said one of the elements of a Section 3(h) violation under RA 3019 is a public officer’s possession of direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in a business, contract or transaction that the law prohibits.

The Ombudsman also rejected Taculad’s defense that his signature on the bidding documents was forged, saying that argument would be more properly raised during trial.

Taculad has since formally announced his departure from office in compliance with the Ombudsman’s order.

Statement from dismissed Duero Mayor Al Taculad

In a statement, Taculad said the “love for Duero continues beyond leadership,” addressing incoming Mayor Hernes A. Bajao and Vice Mayor Soli De Asis and congratulating them on their assumption of office by succession.

“As I step down from this responsibility, I do so with a peaceful heart and full trust in the people who will continue the work of serving our beloved Duero,” Taculad said, adding that while the transition was not what he had hoped for, he trusted the incoming leaders to serve with the same compassion and concern for Duero residents.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership would “continue to listen, to care, and to serve with sincerity,” saying that while leadership can change, genuine love and service for Duero endures.

Taculad closed his statement by congratulating Bajao and De Asis and wishing them well in their new roles, saying he was leaving “with gratitude, trust, and hope” and that Duero remains “in caring and capable hands.”