Palace suspends NCSC chairman for 90 days

MANILA, Philippines —  National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) chairman Franklin Quijano has been suspended for 90 days over allegations of gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct, Malacañang confirmed yesterday.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the suspension order on July 9.

“Considering the gravity of the accusation of gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct against Franklin Quijano, his preventive suspension pending investigation is warranted,” the one-page order read.

Quijano was suspended to prevent possible undue exertion of influence on witnesses and tampering of evidence, Malacañang said.

The 90-day preventive suspension will take effect immediately upon receipt of the order.

Quijano’s suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by Jose Francisco Tapia.

Malacañang did not elaborate on the matter.

Under Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, the proper disciplining authority may preventively suspend any subordinate officer or employee under its authority pending an investigation if the charge involves dishonesty, oppression or grave misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty, or if there are reasons to believe that the person is guilty of the charges, which would warrant his removal from the service.