Officials may be suspended for graft

MANILA, Philippines - Elected officials found violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) are not covered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ban on suspensions during the election period from Jan. 10 to June 9, the Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday.

Quoting Comelec Resolution No. 8646, Assistant Ombudsman Jose de Jesus Jr. said the ban applies to elected officials that have violated laws other than RA 3019.

De Jesus said if the charges specifically cite RA 3019, the anti-graft agency could suspend an elected official during the election and campaign period.

The Office of the Ombudsman, depending on the gravity of the offense, can also ask the Comelec to allow certain suspension orders to be implemented, even if they do not involve graft and corruption, he added.

De Jesus said the Comelec ban on suspension orders does not cover appointive government officials.

“The philosophy behind (the ban) is to prevent harassment suits,” he said. – Michael Punongbayan