Asturias Council imposes 60-day suspension against 2 village execs
TWO barangay officials in Asturias, Cebu will face a 60-day suspension for fleeing during a surprise drug test conducted by the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC) in November 2014.
One of the barangay councilmen serves as vice chairman of the barangay anti-drug abuse council and chairman of the committee on peace and order. Both officials are facing charges of misconduct in office.
One of the respondents claimed that he left because he had to accompany his wife during an emergency situation, while the other village official said that he left to find food because he was very hungry.
The Asturias Municipal Council approved a resolution adopting the committee on laws and legal matters’ decision suspending the two barangay officials after they found them guilty of the charges.
The approved resolution and other documents related to the complaint against the two village officials were referred to the Provincial Board’s (PB) committee on laws and review on ordinances for its legal opinion. The committee is headed by PB Member Joven Mondigo Jr.
On April 28, the Sangguniang Bayan approved a resolution requesting Mayor Alan Adlawan to implement Resolution 021-2015 imposing the 60-day suspension on the two barangay officials.
In a letter dated May 12, Adlawan requested the council to include the word “decision” in the resolution.
The council asked the PB committee on laws and review of ordinances if it is necessary to put the word “decision” considering that the Asturias Municipal Council adopted the committee on laws and legal matter’s findings and recommendation.
CPADAC, in coordination with the Asturias Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Commission, conducted a drug awareness campaign and a surprise drug test at the barangay gym last Nov. 19, 2014.
The two barangay councilors attended the orientation.
According to the report of the municipal council’s committee on laws and legal matters, the two village officials reportedly left, as attested by the barangay captain, after the announcement of the surprise drug test.
“The committee finds that both are guilty of the administrative complaints filed by the Municipality of Asturias Anti-Drug Abuse Commission, specifically on misconduct in office, neglect of duty and disrespect of authorized officials,” the report said.
Department of Interior and Local Government 7 Director Ananias Villacorta, who was asked to give a legal opinion on the matter, reportedly did not find any discrepancy in the adoption of the municipal council of the report of the committee on laws and legal matters.