Enforce Bulacan mayor’s dismissal, Comelec asked

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) should enforce the dismissal of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Mayor Reynaldo San Pedro, the city government’s engineer said yesterday.

“I appeal to the Comelec to speed up the enforcement of the dismissal order as he is seeking reelection. The election is just a few weeks away,” Rufino Gravador Jr. said.

“He masterminded my ambush and refused to vacate his office despite an order from the ombudsman. He asked for a TRO (temporary restraining order). He’s desperate and can do other desperate acts to stay as mayor,” Gravador added. 

San Pedro’s dismissal stemmed from a complaint for grave abuse of authority and grave misconduct filed by Gravador over the alleged overpriced construction of a government building.

The ombudsman also ordered the cancellation of San Pedro’s civil service eligibility, forfeiture of his retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The National Bureau of Investigation filed frustrated murder charges against San Pedro and four others in February for the ambush of Gravador last year.   

Transparency In Public Service spokesperson Brent de Jesus said San Pedro has been accused of other offenses.

“Although it was an administrative offense that caused his dismissal, we still consider this a big victory. It nearly came at the cost of someone’s life,” de Jesus said, adding that he hopes Comelec acts quickly on San Pedro’s dismissal.