BACOLOD City, Philippines – Almost two months after the Sandiganbayan ordered Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella suspended, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) finally served the order on Monday afternoon.
Puentevella accepted the order at around 5 p.m. at his home located a few blocks from the city government center.
The order, signed by DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, was served by DILG-Western Visayas director Anthony Nuyda, legal officer Cedric Jaranilla and DILG-Bacolod officer Cheryl Tacda.
Puentevella’s suspension stemmed from a graft complaint filed against him in 2007, in connection with the allegedly anomalous procurement of computer units and software worth P26 million.
The mayor reportedly used his Priority Development Assistance Fund when he was congressman from 2001 to 2006, to pay for the project.
The computers were for the students of public elementary and secondary schools in Bacolod.
Also charged with Puentevella were the late education regional director Victorino Tirol and computer supplier Jessie Garcia.
The STAR tried but failed to get Puentevella’s side. He will be suspended until February, pending the criminal prosecution of his case.
Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya and Councilor El Cid Familiaran took their oaths before Judge Montano Medel Jr. two hours after the order was served.
Gasataya and Familiaran will act as mayor and vice mayor, respectively until Puentevella’s suspension has lapsed.