Thursday, February 08, 2007
Local gov't office: PB has hand in Armada's penalty
By Lory Ann B. Bilbao
DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Western Visayas legal office chief Ferdinand Panes said Provincial Board members have the total power to penalize Vice Governor Roberto Armada, who has been absent for three weeks now.
Panes said the PB has internal rules and regulations. Any member can initiate to have a co-member sanctioned upon a two-thirds vote by the body.
The 14-member PB here has been conducting its regular session during Tuesdays for three consecutive times on January 23 and 30 and February 6. Armada has been absent during these times.
Board Member Niel Tupas Jr. said he would ask for a probe on Armada's absence.
Board Member Domingo Oso Jr. said it was in their internal rules that four consecutive absences in the regular sessions merit a reprimand, suspension for 60 days, and expulsion, among others.
Panes said a charge of usurpation of authority and/or dereliction of duty could be filed against Armada if he still would not show up for the fourth time next Tuesday.
To note, the DILG was the one that installed Armada as the new governor on January 15, 2007, when the Ombudsman dismissed Governor Niel Tupas Sr.
When the Court of Appeals granted on January 17 a temporary restraining order on the dismissal decision, the DILG ordered Armada's return to his post as vice governor on January 19.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete. (February 8, 2007 issue)
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