Reelected Ilocos Norte mayor vacates position

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte — Mayor Jessie Galano of this heritage town has turned over his post to Vice Mayor Romulo Acdal “to prevent any untoward incident.”

Galano. reelected mayor of this town was removed from his post on July 4 after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año ordered him to vacate his post. Ano said cited his communication with Ombudsman Samuel Martirez that the mayor could not assume his post while his suspension in connection with a graft case he is facing is on appeal. 

Galano was charged with violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Local Government Code for allegedly falsifying the travel documents of former councilor Bruno Dumlao when he was vice mayor.   

The ombudsman perpetually disqualified Galano and Dumlao from holding any public office.

Galano appealed the ruling before the Supreme Court.

Galano’s counsel Ferdinand Ignacio said Año’s order has no legal basis.

He said the DILG chief went overboard “in interpreting only a verbal communication with Ombudsman Martirez.”