By I. Inojales | 10:38 AM September 17, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Duero Mayor Al Cadorniga Taculad stepped down from office on Wednesday after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal for grave misconduct over his financial interest in two municipal projects awarded to his construction company.
Taculad said he voluntarily stepped down to comply with the Ombudsman’s order.
In his farewell message to municipal employees, Taculad said the administrative case had been filed by his political opponents nearly two years ago. He said he faced the case despite the outcome being unfavorable to him.
“Nasayud ang tanan nga ang inyong mayor limpyo og konsensya. Walay gihimo nga daotan, wala nangawkaw,” he said. “Sakit lang sa buot nga ang inyong mayor maoy naduot. Ang uban nga maoy nag-abuso mao pay nag-enjoy enjoy.”
Taculad also accused his political opponents of trying to destroy him and end his political career.
In its Sept. 1, 2026 decision, the Ombudsman found Taculad liable for violations of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, in relation to provisions of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Local Government Code (RA 7160).
The administrative case stemmed from two municipal projects—a river control project and a rainwater collector system—that were awarded to Altacs Construction, Taculad’s construction company, while he was serving as mayor.
The Ombudsman said Altacs Construction received a combined P76.2 million in payments for the two projects.
It also found that Taculad failed to divest his business interest in the company after assuming the mayoral post.
Aside from dismissal, the Ombudsman imposed the forfeiture of Taculad’s retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility and a ban on taking civil service examinations.
The Ombudsman also found sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of a criminal complaint against Taculad for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and the Local Government Code.
Taculad had claimed that his signatures on some bidding documents were forged. The Ombudsman said the issue could be raised during trial.
Vice Mayor Hernes Bajao took over as acting mayor following Taculad’s departure.
