Suspension order sought vs Lanao Sur governor

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has been asked to order the preventive suspension of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., who is facing plunder and graft charges before the anti-graft investigating body.

A group called “Sautol Haqq” or “The Voice of Truth,” which lodged the criminal complaint against Adiong last week, expressed fears that the governor might try to influence the investigation should he not be suspended from office.

The group, in a 25-page complaint, accused Adiong of allegedly pocketing public funds and enriching himself since he was elected into office in 2007.

The complaint was signed by Sautol Haqq convenors composed of Alim Sarangani, lawyer Salic Dumarpa, Dimapuno Ramos-Datu, Baguindali Paculana, Ashary Maongco, Alim Abdulabasit Hadji Nor, Alim Imran Abdulhamid, Alim Jalalodin Sarangani, Diamel Serad, Bontalis Mala and Alipikre Basher.

“Except for his house in Marawi City and the properties he inherited from his father, Adiong started from scratch when he assumed office on June 30, 2007. He even owed former Maguindanao governor Datu Antal Ampatuan P85 million,” read the complaint.

The complainants alleged that as of December last year, the governor has P243 million in cash and properties.

The group claimed the governor used dummies in acquiring the ill-gotten wealth.

They said the governor and his family have no other source of income except his salary as governor.