Sandigan suspends Zamboanga lawmaker for 60 days for graft

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has issued a preventive suspension order against Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Aurora Enerio-Cerilles, who is facing graft charges for alleged involvement in the purchase of overpriced medical supplies in 2001 amounting to nearly P7 million.

The Office of the Ombudsman, claiming initial legal victory, said the Sandiganbayan ordered Cerilles to cease and desist from performing her functions and powers for 60 days.

Government lawyers secured the preventive suspension based on Section 13 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which “unequivocally mandates the suspension of a public official from office pending a criminal prosecution.”

The Sandiganbayan ruled that “the suspension of a public officer charged with an offense that is covered by Section 13 of RA 3019 is but a fortification of the principle that public office is a public trust” and that “they must, at all times, be accountable to the people in the fulfillment of their duties.”

The Office of the Ombudsman also announced the Sandiganbayan’s issuance of separate 90-day preventive suspension orders against Mayor Monico Puentevella of Bacolod City, Mayor Pepito Reyes of Perez, Quezon and Vice-Mayor Dante Garcia of Tubao, La Union for various violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, including the purchase of allegedly overpriced fogging chemicals and computers.