Robredo: No suspension yet for Kalinga gov

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya ,Philippines  – No preventive suspension yet will be issued against Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac until the final report on an assault charge filed against him by a government broadcaster is presented to President Aquino for decision.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said the final report on Baac for assaulting Jerome Tabanganay of the government-owned dzRK-Radyo ng Bayan-Tabuk City will still be presented to the President next week.

“Both have given their side. Just give us a week and President Aquino’s decision on the matter will be coming out,” said Robredo who was in Cauayan City, Isabela last Thursday for the Tapatan Caravan on the full disclosure policy for local government units.

Robredo said the decision to place Baac under preventive suspension while his case is pending depends on the President.

Tabanganay, who survived an attempt on his life last year when unidentified men shot him in front of the radio station, has urged authorities to suspend the governor while the charges against him are being heard.

Baac was accused of barging into the announcer’s booth last June 7 while Tabanganay was having his noontime program “Agenda.” Tabanganay has been critical of the governor over alleged jueteng and illegal logging in the province.

Baac allegedly hit Tabanganay on the lips with a microphone and also hurled threats against him.

Although caught on the radio station’s CCTV camera, Baac denied the assault, saying he was merely trying to admonish Tabanganay for what he claimed were baseless accusations.

The governor is now facing charges of grave threat and serious physical injuries, which Tabanganay filed before the local prosecutor’s office.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, whose office supervises all government radio stations, has also filed administrative cases against Baac before the Department of the Interior and Government in connection with the incident.

In support of Tabanganay’s plight, the National Press Club also filed a case of sedition against Baac over the incident, saying his actions were an assault on the media as an institution.