Muntinlupa barangay chairman suspended

MANILA, Philippines - The Muntinlupa City Council yesterday ordered the suspension for six months of Barangay Buli chairman Ricardo Cole for his alleged refusal to recognize an appointed kagawad (barangay councilman.)

The suspension order will take effect even if Cole’s staff and household members declined to receive it, said city public information chief Omar Acosta.

Cole allegedly refused to acknowledge the appointment of Rowena Lopena as replacement for her father Geronimo Lopena, who died in June.

Acosta said the councilmen of Barangay Buli passed a resolution endorsing Lopena’s appointment, which was also approved by Mayor Aldrin San Pedro in September.