Order not received yet: Soc attends council session despite Ombuds suspension

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Councilor Socrates Fernandez appeared and attended the regular session last Tuesday despite the suspension order issued by the Visayas Ombudsman against him.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, city council’s presiding officer, said  Fernandez attended their session because the latter did not receive the suspension order yet.

“Even my office did not receive the suspension order,” said Villarante.

Earlier, the Office of Visayas Ombudsman issued a 90-day suspension order against Fernandez after the investigating office found him guilty in taking a bag from the car which was in the custody of the local police during his stint as the Talisay City mayor.

Fernandez’s car was one of the evidence seized by the authorities when his son, Joavan, was collared after he allegedly consummated a crime.

Villarante said it only depends on the Department of Interior and Local Government when they will implement the order. He said a delay of implementation might bar the office concerned since election ban is approaching.

The election ban will start in February next year.

Fernandez had served his first suspension early this year because of his son’s violation with the law.

Villarante said the suspension of Fernandez could not affect the city council’s resolution or ordinances to be passed.

However, the majority Alayon party will lose one member in the process. (FREEMAN)