DILG: Sacsac councilman to remain in office until convicted

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay councilman in Pinamungajan who was arrested for possession of illegal drugs will have to remain in office until he is found guilty by the court.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) director Pedro Noval said that they cannot declare the seat of Sacsac Councilman Benvienedo Paslon vacant until he is convicted by the court of the criminal case for possession of illegal drugs.

Paslon was arrested last week by the operatives of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of Cebu City Police Office after he was caught in the act of repacking illegal drugs inside his house in Villagonzalo II, Barangay Tejero.

However, Noval said that the barangay council of Sacsac can impose sanctions against Paslon based on their own house rules.

According to Noval, the council may expel Paslon because of his alleged habitual absenteeism.

 “Mamahimo man siya mapahawa kung naa gyud mo-reklamo sa iyaha kay dili naman siya makatambong og session. Consider absent man gihapon siya ana,” Noval said.

He added that Paslon cannot also receive his honorarium from the barangay.

Paslon is already charged for possession of illegal drugs after the police seized 12 packs of shabu inside his house. He denied owning the shabu saying that he was just sleeping in his room when he heard a noise and went out to check but only to be arrested by police. (FREEMAN)