A mayor is facing suspension
By Eva C. Visperas
THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on August 5 almost concluded without fanfare when something very intriguing happened.
In the usual order of business, a particular item was placed towards the end, a time when most attendees were already preparing to wrap up and leave. But as I stood in the session hall, something caught my attention. My curiosity as a reporter was piqued.
Majority Floor Leader and 1st District Board Member Napoleon Fontelera casually read the item: “Mr. Presiding Officer, next is the consideration of the proposed measure embodied in Committee Report Number 35-2024 for second reading under suspended rules. On behalf of the principal sponsor, may I now move for the approval of the proposed measure SP administrative case… under Republic Act number 11032 and Section 60 of Republic Act 7160.” (Note: Portions of my recording were inaudible.)
Republic Act No. 11032, known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, aims to streamline government processes, while RA 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, provides the legal framework for local government units in the Philippines.
After Fontelera’s motion, Vice Governor and Presiding Officer Mark Ronald Lambino asked, “Any objections? Hearing none, the proposed measure under Committee Report Number 35, Series of 2024, is hereby approved.”
The session hall remained silent.
An administrative case? Who was involved — a mayor, vice mayor, councilor, or barangay official? Questions flooded my mind.
Upon inquiry, I learned from a reliable source that the case indeed involves a mayor from the eastern part of Pangasinan. This mayor is reportedly up against a formidable opponent in the upcoming election.
Due to the sensitive nature of the information and the pending approval/signature of the suspension order by the governor, I cannot yet disclose the mayor’s name. However, here’s a clue: the mayor was recently invited to speak at a provincial board session, accompanied by the entire members of his council, on a significant issue.
For those curious, you might want to revisit recent news stories in this paper or check the official Facebook page of the Province of Pangasinan to uncover his identity.
According to insider information, the mayor is facing a 90-day preventive suspension due to three separate administrative cases. The suspension is intended to prevent the official from using his power and influence while the investigation is ongoing.
By the time this article is published, the suspension order may have already been signed by the governor and served. If the mayor is absent at the next flag-raising ceremony at his local government unit, employees will likely realize that their mayor has been suspended.
Let’s wait a few more days for the full details to emerge. This is going to be an exciting news, for sure, and I expect a press conference happening in the mayor’s camp soon.
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