PB-Iloilo eyes town mayor's suspension

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Iloilo Vice Governor Raul Tupas said he was hoping to get the majority votes from the Provincial Board for the implementation of the three-month suspension order of Maasin town Mayor Mariano Malones.

Tupas said the PB, during its session this week, should get seven votes from the 13 members, including him, so that Malones's suspension will be enforced immediately.

The vice governor said nine had signed the draft resolution in the case of respondent Malones versus the latter's former employee Elsa Maternal.

PB Members Licurgo Tirador (3rd district) and Maria Shalene Hidalgo (4th district) inhibited themselves from deciding on the case, contending that the Civil Service Commission had already ordered the mayor to reinstate Maternal to her post as human resources management assistant.

The vice governor said PB Members Nimfa Garin and Dennis Valencia (1st district) did not sign the resolution because they sought for a higher penalty against the mayor. He added

that he respected the decision of the PB members who did not sign the draft resolution.

On the next session on September 16, Tupas said the PB will decide either to enforce or not the suspension order against Malones. — Montesa Griño Caoyonan (FREEMAN)