In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a six-month suspension order against a town mayor in Northern Samar province.
The suspension order was Gerladine Maquelabit, the provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government against Mayor Jose Arturo “Joey” Suan of Allen town after the regional office received the memorandum order from DILG Undersecretary for external, legal, and legislative affairs, Juan Victor Llamas.
The suspension order stemmed on the complaint of Maricon Ablig of grave abuse of authority who alleged that Suan and six other town officials illegally built a road on her property without her consent and without following the process of expropriation and compensation.
“Wherefore, respondent, Jose Arturo Dubongco Suan is hereby found guilty of grave abuse of authority or oppression and is hereby meted the penalty of suspension for a period of six months without pay,” the dispositive portion of the Ombudsman decision reads.
The Ombudsman rendered the decision on Tuesday (Jan.9) and was served to Suan the following day, Wednesday (Jan.10).
Mayor Suan was not in his office when the order was served.
A copy of the suspension order was posted on the glass door of his office.
The Leyte Samar Daily Express reached out to the suspended mayor but has yet to respond as of press time.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
