Duterte slams Palace suspension of Davao Norte governor

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte has cried foul over the suspension of Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib.

The Office of the President ordered a 60-day preventive suspension of Jubahib in connection with a complaint for grave abuse of authority and oppression filed against him by Board Member Orly Amit.

Duterte decried the suspension order, saying it did not follow due process.

“What is unbelievable to me is walang notice, wala lahat. Basta sinabi lang sa iyo umalis ka,” he said.

Duterte expressed concern that Marcos is “veering toward“ an authoritarian government.

“Do not assume that you have absolute power. In a democracy there are always parameters, boundaries where you can act and when you cannot act,” Duterte said. “You cannot allow that kind of situation na mangyari, kasi mali. Mali na tanggalin mo ang isang tao diyan elected by the people.”

Duterte said Jubahib should be investigated if he did something wrong and should be informed about it.

He advised Jubahib to seek relief from the Supreme Court.

Davao del Norte first district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, for his part, claimed that Jubahib was suspended in connection with a prayer rally to be held in Tagum City on Sunday.

Alvarez said Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo had sent emissaries asking to call off the rally, but the governor did not heed the request.

Duterte will attend the rally, which Jubahib said would be attended by 100,000 people.