Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Suspension against town mayor lifted
MALACAÑANG has lifted the six-month suspension imposed on Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo by the Rizal Provincial Government and a private complainant.
The nine-page decision from the Office of the President signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita ordered for the reversal of the Provincial Board (PB) decision to suspend the embattled mayor.
"I am vindicated," Cuerpo said as he shows a copy of the decision to reporters.
On November 17, 2007, private complainant Renato Rodriguez charged Cuerpo for dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office, gross negligence, dereliction of duty, and abuse of authority.
The preventive suspension of Cuerpo started on February 11 after which the latter filed an appeal with the Palace on February 13 praying for the lifting of the penalty.
However, on March 11, the PB found Cuerpo guilty as charged imposing upon him a suspension for six months.
Cuerpo again appealed and was given a stay order on April 18. "... So as not to prejudice public interest and deprive the people of Rodriguez, Rizal of the service of their duly elected mayor..."
The question meanwhile on whether the Municipal Council tax measures are indeed null and void for being "ultra vires" or outside the jurisdiction of the of municipal mayor is still pending for review in the Department of Justice. (AH/Sunnex)
