Suspended Abra mayor refuses to vacate post

BANGUED, Abra  , Philippines  —    Lagayan town Mayor Jendricks Luna has refused to vacate his post after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan suspended him and his vice mayor wife in connection with an unfinished road project in Barangay Ba-i. 

Luna and his wife, Vice Mayor Joy Chrisma, were found guilty of dishonesty and grave misconduct on Dec. 6 by the provincial council led by Vice Gov. Ronald Balao-as.

The charges stemmed from a complaint filed in August by Councilor Noel Cortez, who said the project remained “a pebble and dirt road” despite Luna’s claim that it was completed.

The Lunas reportedly did not receive the ruling of the provincial government, which posted it on the gate of their house on Dec. 7.

Luna told The STAR on Wednesday that he filed a petition before the Office of the President, asking to resolve the problem in his hometown.

In filing the appeal, Luna cited Administrative Order 22 signed in 2011 by former president Benigno Aquino III, which allows an appellant to remain in his post pending final decision of the case.

Luna’s supporters have reportedly gathered in front of the Lagayan town hall to prevent a takeover.