Mayor Liseldo Calugay (center), with legal counsel Atty. Victor Morales, speaks to the media at his office on May 6 about the Ombudsman’s suspension order against him. (Photo by Eva Visperas)

SUAL Mayor Liseldo “Dong” Calugay continues to hold office, asserting that the suspension order issued by the Ombudsman could not be enforced due to a Commission on Elections ruling.

“This is clearly stated in Comelec Resolution No. 11-059, particularly Section 15 of Rule 5, which prohibits the suspension of elected municipal and provincial officials from January 12 to June 11, during the election period,” Atty. Victor Manuel Morales, the mayor’s legal counsel, said in a press briefing last week.

The three-month suspension order, which also includes the mayor’s executive assistant, Cheryl Medina, stems from a case filed by Michael Abaga over his application for a fish cage operation in the town’s mariculture zone.

The case, originally for grave misconduct, was downgraded to simple misconduct, with a suspension of three months or a deduction from the last three months’ salaries if implementation is not practicable. The order was dated April 14 but was only received on May 6, Morales added.

“You cannot suspend an elected official during this time unless it’s a graft case, which is not… The law will protect the mayor,” Morales said as he urged the public to remain calm and reassured constituents that all legal remedies are being pursued to uphold due process and ensure continuity of governance.

The mayor’s legal team has filed a petition for review with application for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction before the Court of Appeals, docketed as Case No. 189593 on May 6.

In a brief message, Calugay, who is running for reelection, said, “Wag kayong mag-aalala. Ako po ay maglilingkod sa ating bayan. Hindi ko kayo iiwan. I will serve as your mayor.” (Eva Visperas)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments