Garcia returns to work after suspension

CEBU, Philippines - Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Gamaliel Garcia has returned to work yesterday after serving the 60-day preventive suspension imposed upon him by Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III.

Davide III ordered Garcia’s suspension on April 11 upon the recommendation of the Provincial Board pending investigation of the administrative complaint for alleged usurpation of authority.

“Lipay kaayo ang mga tawo nga nisugat ug nakakita sa atong pagbalik,” Garcia said.

Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica welcomed him with a tarpaulin placed on the façade of the town hall. But Garcia said the welcome message was obviously done to ridicule him as Gica was reportedly  boasting  that he will  return as mayor soon.

Garcia said he is checking the finances and the expenses incurred by Gica within the 60-day period he was acting mayor. Garcia said he initially found closed to P3 million disbursed by Gica as financial assistance to barangays allied with him.

“Unsa na kaha kung nagdugay pa, sobra pa seguro sa P3 million iyang magasto,” he said.

Garcia is also looking at the appointments reportedly made by Gica to fill up four permanent positions if it went through the process. “Ma-consider na nga midnight appointment,” he said.

As acting mayor, Gica is supposed to perform ministerial functions and cannot appoint, hire and terminate employees. Gica could not be reached for comment as of press time.

On March 24, the PB approved the recommendation of the committee on complaints and investigation headed by Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy requesting the governor to issue an order preventively suspending Garcia.

The case stemmed from the administrative complaint filed by Gica accusing Garcia of allegedly encroaching on the authority of the vice mayor to appoint the municipal secretary.

Garcia, through a memorandum, designated Emmylou Cabonilas to take over in an acting capacity the post that was left by Victor Tan Jr., who resigned June 26 last year.— (FREEMAN)