Agusan del Sur governor suspended over fertilizer anomaly

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has suspended the governor of Agusan del Sur in connection with his alleged involvement in the fertilizer scam.

In a resolution promulgated on May 3, the anti-graft court suspended for 90 days Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza for charges of graft and malversation filed in 2004.

The court’s Fourth Division said Plaza’s suspension is mandatory as provided under Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

It earlier affirmed the validity of the cases against Plaza when it denied a motion to dismiss the charges filed by the accused.

The Sandiganbayan rejected Plaza’s argument that his suspension must be deferred as the Supreme Court has yet to resolve his petition to reverse the anti-graft’s ruling denying his motions to dismiss the charges and reconsideration.

It said the court proceedings must continue unless there is a temporary restraining order or injunction from the high court.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2018, the cases stemmed from the provincial government’s purchase of fertilizer amounting to P9.9 million reportedly without public bidding.