Gov ordered arrested over vet’s transfer

MANILA, Philippines -  The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado and two other officials for refusing to reinstate the provincial veterinarian.

In a ruling dated Feb. 20 and released over the weekend, the anti-graft court found sufficient grounds to put Tallado, legal officer Sim Mata Jr. and administrative officer Mario de la Cruz on trial.

As of last Friday, Tallado, Mata and Dela Cruz have yet to post bail.

The Sandiganbayan issued a hold order against the respondents.

In November 2012, Tallado, Mata and Dela Cruz transferred provincial veterinarian Edgardo Gonzales to the information office and removed his name from the payroll.

In a complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman early this month, Tallado reportedly refused to reinstate Gonzales despite an order issued by the Civil Service Commission in 2013.

The ombudsman earlier ordered Tallado dismissed from his post for his alleged refusal to reinstate several employees of the municipal hall.

Tallado was able to secure an injunction from the Court of Appeals.

The governor hogged the headlines in 2014 when his sex video and nude photos went viral on social media.

The ombudsman suspended him over the incident.