Atienza suspends aide tagged in driver’s slay

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza suspended for two months yesterday a special assistant, who is facing murder charges for allegedly killing a jeepney driver during a parking dispute in Tondo last June 12.

Atienza said the 60-day suspension will allow police to investigate Jose "Noli" Sugay, who witnesses said shot dead Aries Luriz, 27.

"This is to give a sense of impartiality so there would be no talk that we are influencing the investigation," Atienza said.

Sugay allegedly shot Luriz after the jeepney driver double parked his vehicle behind Sugay’s Toyota Fortuner at the corner of Coral and Dagupan streets.

Under the law, Atienza said, he cannot impose a suspension of more than 60 days.

However, he can order Sugay’s termination from City Hall "if the investigation shows the evidence is clearly against him."

"It saddens me that a friend would be involved in this kind of a predicament, but if he is guilty, he should suffer the consequences. Maski sino pa ang masangkot sa anumang masamang gawain, kahit miyembro ng aking pamilya ay dapat managot sa kasalanang kanyang nagawa," the mayor said.

Atienza clarified that Sugay has been with the Office of the Mayor since 1999 and is only one of 20 special assistants.

"He is one of the members of my staff and his job is mainly to receive complaints against barangay officials, policemen and City Hall employees."

Charges of murder, two counts of attempted homicide and illegal discharge of firearms were filed yesterday against Sugay.

The charges were filed in two venues — the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Manila Prosecutor’s Office. — With Nestor Etolle