Overview
- Norma Beatriz Watson, 59, was dismissed by mayoral decree following an internal probe and is formally accused of defrauding the State.
- Municipal sources estimate a shortfall exceeding 7 million pesos, with auditors reporting altered records, cash discrepancies, duplicate entries, and misuse of the “Ingresos Pendientes” account.
- Recordings captured between January 24 and February 4 allegedly show Watson placing municipal cash into a handbag at her desk.
- Watson’s defense argues the money seen in the footage was her own and contests the videos’ validity, a position rejected by the municipal disciplinary board.
- The judicial investigation remains active with a summons for questioning, while the city has scrapped cash handling, ordered a forensic accounting review, and provided system data to prosecutors.