Lapid supporters barricade P'panga capitol

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Emotions ran high here yesterday as some 2,000 supporters of Gov. Lito Lapid formed a human barricade at the main entrance of the provincial capitol to block any "premature" move to serve the Ombudsman's one-year suspension against the actor-turned-politician.

Lapid and his lawyers rushed to Baguio City early yesterday to ask the Supreme Court to stop the Ombudsman from suspending Lapid after the 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) earlier issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) lapsed last Sunday.

Supreme Court justices are expected to hold hearings in Baguio City until tomorrow.

Provincial attorney Benalfre Galang said Lapid's counsel filed the petition with the High Court to seek due process after the appellate court failed to act on the governor's plea for a preliminary injunction within the 60-day TRO.

The appellate court is expected to rule on Lapid's petition within the week.

Last Nov. 22, the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Lapid and three others - Vice Gov. Clayton Olalia, provincial treasurer Jovito Sabado and SPO4 Nestor Tadeo - for one year on charges they padded lahar sand quarrying fees in 1997 and the first semester of 1998.

The CA's 60-day TRO prevented the Ombudsman from enforcing the suspension order.

Galang said Lapid's counsel will amend the petition filed with the Supreme Court as soon as the appellate court issues its decision on Lapid's plea for a preliminary injunction.

Allegations that Malacañang has lobbied for the junking of Lapid's plea have reached his supporters.

"Why are cases being piled up only against our governor and not against other officials who have been implicated in auditing reports," asked Victorina Gomez, chairperson of the Kapisanan ng mga Mamamayan Para sa Katarungan.

Gomez was referring to the findings of a special team of the Commission on Audit (COA) that some P8.2 million in lahar taxes from Porac, Lubao and Mabalacat towns are "missing."

According to the report, the quarrying taxes were supposed to have been collected during the term of former Porac mayor Roy David who headed the provincial quarry task force from 1997 to the first semester of 1998.

Gomez noted that David's wife, provincial board member Edna David, is expected to assume as acting governor once Lapid is suspended.

In a statement yesterday, Lapid said, "Without any legal order or decision to the contrary, I will continue to exercise my duties and responsibilities as the duly elected governor of the province."

"Despite highly reliable reports that some very powerful and influential persons have been exerting pressure on the members of the judiciary, I have faith in the integrity and sense of fairness and justice of the Supreme Court," he said.

Lapid called on his supporters "to remain calm, even as I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support during this most difficult time."

In a meeting with 14 mayors belonging to the Lakas party, Lapid said he would seek reelection to vindicate himself and his constituents. - With Ric Sapnu