CA stops dismissal of Ilocos mayor

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has stopped the dismissal of this town’s Mayor Jessie Galano.

On June 14, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) implemented an order of the Office of the Ombudsman ousting Galano.

On the same day, the DILG installed Vice Mayor Aileen Llaguno-Guerrero as mayor based on the same order issued in January.

In a press briefing yesterday, Galano said he filed a petition for review on June 13.

In response to his petition, the CA issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the implementation of the ombudsman’s ruling for 60 days.

In issuing the TRO, the CA said Galano’s appeal “was extremely urgent” and the petitioner would suffer irreparable injury if his motion is not acted upon.

The CA believes that Galano’s dismissal will ruin his reputation as an individual and public official.

The CA set the oral arguments on the issuance of the TRO tomorrow.

Galano’s dismissal stemmed from a graft case filed by former mayor Dolores Clemente in 2015 for alleged violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the Local Government Code.