Bataan mayor seeks Malacañang intervention

ORION, BATAAN — Beleaguered town Mayor Antonio Raymundo sought the intervention of Malacañang to recall the 60-day suspension order imposed by the Bataan Provincial Board for alleged abuse of authority.

In an exclusive interview with The STAR, Raymundo said that Bataan Gov. Leonardo Roman and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should instead be charged with abuse of authority and violation of the Local Government Code. Raymundo, a known political opponent of Roman, said the suspension order was issued on the day before the annual celebration of the town fiesta of Orion on May 8 and which was reflective of a malicious intent to harass and humiliate him.

He said that Roman and members of the Provincial Board led by Vice Governor Rogelio Roque committed an abuse of the exercise of power when they allegedly conspired and confederated in issuing the suspension order against him, "knowing that there is no just or lawful ground for its action."

In his complaint-letter, Raymundo said that he is earnestly hoping that President Arroyo would step in and prevent a gross injustice by directing the immediate recall of the controversial suspension order.

Raymundo’s suspension stemmed from the administrative case of usurpation and abuse of authority, which Barangay Capunitan chairman Rolando Hatol filed with the Provincial Board after Raymundo issued a memorandum in Jan. 27, ordering him to vacate a day-care center.

Raymundo contested that the newly constructed day-care center was built to serve pre-school students in the community and not as the new barangay hall through an illegal Barangay resolution.

Raymundo also questioned the order of Roque directing him to personally appear before the Provincial Board on May 19 for the en banc investigation on the administrative charges filed by Hatol.

"I have nothing personal against Raymundo when the suspension order was issued by the Provincial Board which acted independently based on the complaint of a community leader," Roman told The STAR in an interview. — Bebot Sison Jr.