Dumanjug VM claims strong case vs mayor

CEBU, Philippines - With Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia back in office after his 60-day preventive suspension has lapsed, Vice Mayor Efren Gica is claiming they have enough evidence and witnesses to prove that the former is guilty of the case.

“Nakuha na namo tanang evidence against Mayor Nelson. For now, sige pa mi’g present og evidence ug witnesses,” said Gica, who filed the case against Garcia.

Gica alleged that Garcia violated Section 456 of the Local Government Code when the mayor hired Emmilou Cabonillas as acting town council secretary last year, when it was supposed to be his function as the vice mayor.

While probing Gica’s allegation, PB issued a two-month preventive suspension against Garcia. Gica then assumed as the town mayor.

Gica said that shortly after Garcia came back on June 11, the latter reportedly “bulldozed” all the traffic signages he placed at the town’s public market and dismantled the tents he installed to serve as parking stations for trisikad and tricycle drivers.

Meanwhile, Governor Hilario Davide III said he understands why two judges who were supposed to handle the civil case filed by Garcia against him inhibited from the case.

Regional Trial Court Judge Sylva Paderanga of Branch 16 has voluntarily inhibited as his son, lawyer Gerik Caesare Aguirre-Paderanga, is the consultant for legal and legislative matters for Provincial Board Member Celestino Martinez III. Judge Simeon Dumdum is also a close friend of the Davide family, said the governor.

 â€œThus, to avoid presumed bias and prejudice, the undersigned deems it appropriate to recuse herself from trying this case,” the court order reads.

Garcia filed a civil case for certiorari, prohibition and injunction with prayer for temporary restraining order against Davide, Gica, the Provincial Board and the Capitol over his 60-day preventive suspension.

Davide placed Garcia under preventive suspension based on the recommendation of the PB for grave abuse of authority.  (FREEMAN)