Ex-Cebu mayor suspended over inmate son’s escape

MANILA, Philippines — A former city mayor in Cebu has been suspended for three months after he was found guilty of simple neglect of duty.

The suspension order of former Talisay City mayor and now Councilor Socrates Fernandez was served by the Department of the Interior and Local Government last July 31.

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the suspension of Fernandez last January after he was accused of conniving with a jail guard and providing a government vehicle to allow his son Joavan to escape from the city jail.

“Respondent is expected to ensure that systems or processes are in place to prevent unauthorized use of vehicles under his supervision,” Terrence Anton Callao, graft investigation and prosecution officer, said.

Joavan reportedly escaped from the city jail during visiting hours on May 8, 2013.

He reportedly took advantage when he was allowed to leave his cell to meet his wife and children and the jail guard was talking to someone on the phone.

Joavan reportedly boarded a government vehicle parked outside the city jail.

Graft probers said Fernandez provided the Mitsubishi Adventure and that he connived with the jail guard.