Suspension order vs. Urbiztondo mayor lifted
URBIZTONDO—The suspension order slapped by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on this town’s mayor, Ernesto Balolong, has been lifted by Malacañang in a decision dated October 2.
The three-page order, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. by authority of the President, said “Charges based on mere suspicion and speculation cannot be given credence. It cannot serve as basis for the imposition of preventive suspension”.
The order pointed out that the provincial board, which imposed the suspension, “…failed to substantiate that the conditions prescribed by law are existent to justify the imposition of the preventive suspension. Its reliance on complainant’s allegations is misplaced”.
Balolong said he is very happy with this development and feels vindicated for what he said were “baseless accusations” by his political enemies.
“Although it was very painful, I humbly accepted it (preventive suspension) because it was an order by a higher office,” Balolong said.
The Committee on Good Government and Accountability of Public Officers of the SP issued a 60-day preventive suspension against Balolong in a decision dated August15, 2012 based on a complaint filed by a former Municipal Treasurer of Urbiztondo, Loida Cancino, accusing Balolong of misuse of funds involving a P54.2 million loan by the municipality from the Philippine National Bank.
Balolong filed an urgent petition before Malacañang to set aside the suspension order and recall Provincial Resolution No. 354-2012.
In the morning of October 3, Balolong resumed his post, which was assumed by Vice Mayor Haide Soriano.–Eva Visperas
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