Camarines governor suspended for defying CSC order

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended for one year the governor of Camarines Norte for failing to implement an order of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The suspension of Gov. Edgardo Tallado stemmed from his refusal to reinstate provincial veterinarian Edgardo Gonzales, whom he dismissed in 2012.

Tallado earlier filed a motion for reconsideration on the CSC order, but the agency denied his appeal.

Still he refused to reinstate Gonzales.

Records showed that in November 2012, Tallado removed Gonzales from his post for alleged absences.

Gonzales was able to show proof of his attendance.

Aside from Tallado, the ombudsman found two other officials – provincial legal officer Sim Mata and human resource officer Mario dela Cruz – liable for oppression or grave abuse of authority and also ordered them suspended for a year.

Tallado has signified his intention to seek reelection next year.

Other contenders for the gubernatorial post are Catherine Barcelona Reyes, Clint Marcel Mera, Antonio Balce and Jesus Tiopaco Jr.

Talado’s wife, Josefina, will run for Congress in the province’s first district. – With Francis Elevado