Nueva Ecija vice mayor, five councilors suspended 30 days

By Sheen Crisologo

ALIAGA, Nueva Ecija — Vice Mayor Alfredo Domingo of this town, along with five municipal councilors, are crying foul against an order suspending them from office for 30 days, claiming that it is a form of political harassment by Gov. Aurelio Umali.

Suspended for grave misconduct and conduct of unbecoming of public officers, as approved by majority of the SangguniangPanlalawigan (Provincial Board) and signed by Gov. Umali, were Domingo and Aliaga Councilors Cesar Cajucom, Ruth Macalinao, Juanito Martin, Juanita de Leon, and Edgardo Soledad.

The six officials, however, remained defiant as they faced local media on Monday, claiming they have done nothing wrong and were set to file a motion for reconsideration (MR) of their suspension order.

“They can’t stop us here to work and deliver what we think is right for our people. We will not accept the suspension and we will continue working as usual. They suspended us without a board investigation and due process,” said Domingo.

                  It was learned that Mayor Elizabeth Vargas had asked the Provincial Board to issue the resolution last October 5, accusing them of delaying and stopping her projects that needed to be implemented and delivered to the public