‘Grave abuse of authority’ Natonin mayor defies SP suspension order

By Alfred Dizon

NATONIN, Mountain Province – The provincial board served notice to Mayor Jose Agagon here Tuesday suspending him from performing his duties for grave abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official and grave misconduct.
    But the mayor reportedly denied the allegations and defied the order.
    A reliable source from the municipal government, who requested anonymity, said Agogon was still performing his duties as mayor at presstime.
    “I am still the mayor,” Agagon was quoted as saying, referring to the suspension order. “The SP’s order is not final and executory.”
    He said he was contesting his order of suspension in the proper forum.
    This, after Agogon allegedly illegally dismissed from service on Oct. 1, 2021 year Gina Lamfayong, municipal accountant; Nenette Marungoy, Human Resource and Management Office chief and Hazel Gawayen of the Office of the Mayor.
    This reportedly prompted the three to file a complaint with the provincial board who decided to suspend Agagon.
    The three employees also filed a case with the Regional Trial Court based in the capital town of Bontoc for a restraining order against the dismissal order of the mayor against them.
    Judge Sergio Angnganay Jr. granted a temporary restraining order in favor of the three employees who are still now holding office.
    The source said the case started when Lamfayong, Marungoy and Gawayen issued a certification last February 2021 attesting that Agagon was not attending office at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    This reportedly prompted Vice Mayor Christopher Bayowan to assume duties of the mayor.
    Agagon disputed allegations he was not attending office saying he was in Natonin at that time.
    The provincial board is headed by Vice Gov. Francis O. Tauli with members Donato L. Danglose (District 2), Janice Barillo (District 1, Joshua B. Fronda (District 1) Henry D. Bastian (District 2), Federico Onsat (District 1), Salvador K. Dalang (District 2) and Randy T. Awisan (District 2).  Board member Alexandre Claver of District 1 died recently.
    Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan heads the provincial government.
    Lawyer Maximo Dalog Jr. is congressman of Lone District of Mountain Province.