Suspension of Kalinga gov starts this week

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines  – The one-month suspension of Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac will start this week. President Aquino ordered Baac suspended for hitting broadcaster Jerome Tabanganay with a microphone last year.

Vice Gov. Sammy Manawang is taking over as acting governor during Baac’s suspension, a statement issued by the office of the provincial administrator said.

A video showed Baac barging into the dzRK station and attacking Tabanganay.

Baac said he would abide by the order, even as he maintained he did not intend to harm Tabanganay.

“I will comply but with a heavy heart because the programs and projects, including the autonomy campaign, will be sacrificed.  It is the people who will be deprived of our services,” Baac said.

When asked what prompted him to confront Tabanganay, Baac said, “his unbalanced reporting.”

Aquino warned in his order handed down Saturday that similar action will be dealt with more severely.