TWO local government officers in Sarangani province were suspended for 90 days pending their trial over alleged graft and corruption before the Sandiganbayan.

Charged with violation of the Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, are Sarangani provincial agricultural development officer Sittiehawa Marohomsalic and budget officer Wahid Diama.

The anti-graft body said it ordered the suspension of the two officers from receipt of the order, for standing trial on the charges filed against them.

The Ombudsman said the case involved irregularities in the award and distribution of the 15,000 pieces of an ABC My Practice Book II worth P1.5 million in 2003.

In a five-page resolution, the anti-graft court reiterated that preventive suspension is proper to prevent the accused from committing further acts of malfeasance while in office.

For as long as the anti-graft charge against the accused remains in litigation, without distinction as to stage of the proceeding, by the literal and clear provision of said law, suspension pendente lite is availing.

The court also directed that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to the office of the Governor of Sarangani for implementation of the suspension order.