CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City council has approved an ordinance prescribing rules and procedures that will apply on elected barangay officials who face administrative charges.
The ordinance is known as “The Administrative Investigation Ordinance of 2013.â€
These rules and procedures shall apply to administrative cases filed against any elective barangay officials of Lapu-Lapu City.
The ordinance states that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Lapu-Lapu City having the disciplinary powers over elected barangay officials within the territorial jurisdiction, is authorized to adopt rules and regulations in the exercise thereof under Book VI of Executive Order 292, othererwise known as Administrative Code of 1987.
Under the ordinance, preventive suspension may be imposed by the local chief executive upon the recommendation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at any time after the issues are joined, that is, after respondent has answered the complaint, when the evidence to guilt is strong and given the gravity of offense, there is a great probability that the continuance in office of the respondent could influence the witness or pose a threat to the safety and integrity of the record and other evidence.
No preventive suspension shall be imposed within ninety days immediately prior to any local elections. (FREEMAN)