Lapid booted out today - Santiago

Beleaguered Pampanga Gov. Lito Lapid will be formally removed from office today as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) implements the one-year suspension order earlier issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Narciso Santiago said that unless the Supreme Court issues a temporary restraining order (TRO), Lapid has no choice but to vacate his post.

"His days are numbered. He has no option but to run again in the next elections," Santiago said.

He said he was just waiting for Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim to arrive from Mindanao to sign the order.

Santiago said Ombudsman Aniano Desierto has requested the DILG to serve the suspension order his office issued last Nov. 22 when it found Lapid and three others - Vice Gov. Clayton Olalia, provincial treasurer Jovito Sabado and SPO4 Nestor Tadeo - liable for the alleged overcharging of lahar sand quarrying fees.

A 60-day TRO issued by the Court of Appeals prevented the DILG from serving the suspension order. The TRO, however, expired last Sunday.

Lapid is still awaiting the verdict of the appellate court on his petition for a preliminary injunction. Nevertheless, his lawyers filed a petition with the Supreme Court to prevent the suspension order from being served.

Lapid's supporters have barricaded the provincial capitol in a bid to block moves to unseat him.

Lapid has not reported to his office since Monday. In a radio interview yesterday, he said he would step down from office only if the Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's suspension order.

In a meeting with Pampanga mayors last Saturday, Lapid said he would run for reelection to vindicate himself and his constituents.