The suspended Catbalogan mayor maintains innocence
TACLOBAN CITY- Suspended Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan expressed her gratitude to her supporters for their continued ‘support and love’ for her.
Uy-Tan, in a message she posted on her Facebook account Monday (Jan.7), also stressed that her decision to accept the suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman should not be construed that she is guilty of the allegation imputed to her.
She said that it’s her way of showing her respect to the order of the anti-graft body as she maintains her innocence.
“I have temporarily left my position as mayor to show respect to the decision of the Ombudsman as it conducts its investigation. I am convinced that they will find out what’s the truth and right,” Uy-Tan said.
“I know that all the allegations hurled against me and other city officials were not true,” she added.
Also suspended were Vice Mayor Art Sherwin Gabon and Councilors Coefredo Uy, father of the suspended mayor; Jeffrey Uy; Maximo Pascual; Edward Uy; Christine Joy Escobar; Beethoven Bermejo; and Nanette Jasmin.
Included suspended were city accountant Peachy Daguman; city treasurer Elizabeth Lim; city budget officer Ma. Theresa Lim; and city assessor Romero Tuazon.
All were involved in the alleged irregular land deal and lease of the city’s public market.
Last Jan.3, Councilors Archie Fuentes and Kendall Luke Perez formally assumed as acting mayor and vice mayor of Catbalogan, respectively.
In her post, Uy-Tan explained that the preventive suspension order slapped against her by the Ombudsman is just part of the investigation process and not a verdict of her guilt.
“It’s part of the process. In six months, we will return to our (respective posts), she said.
The suspended mayor, who is running for councilor in this year’s elections, hit those who claimed that they have obtained ‘justice’ with their suspension.
She, however, said that she remains unfazed despite her being suspended as she expressed her gratitude to her supporters for their continued support on her.
“I will never abandon you. My love and care for you and our beloved city will continue,” she said. (JOEY A. GABIETA/ROEL T. AMAZONA)
