La Union mayor suspended for 90 days

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government has served the suspension order imposed by the Sandiganbayan against Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto of San Fernando, La Union.

Gualberto’s 90-day suspension, which started yesterday, stemmed from a criminal case filed by the Office of Ombudsman for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Gualberto was charged for allegedly using the development fund to upgrade the city’s public plaza.

The complaint was filed by the barangay captains in January last year for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, grave abuse of authority and malversation.

In April 15, the ombudsman suspended Gualberto for six months.

In September, the Court of Appeals (CA) rejected an ombudsman ruling dismissing Gualberto from the service.

The CA ruling paved the way for Gualberto to reassume his post on Nov. 4.

Vice Mayor Alfredo Pablo Ortega will act as mayor until Gualberto has fully served his 90-day suspension.