THE Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday suspended Mayor Michael Rama and seven other city officials over the alleged non-payment of salaries of several city hall employees.
Rama and the seven other officials – city administrator lawyer Collin Rossell, his wife Maria Theresa Rossell who heads the City Treasurer’s Office, Francis May Jacaban, Angelique Cabugao, Jay-Ar Pescante, Lester Joey Beniga, and Nelyn Sanrojo, were ordered suspended for six months.
In a 10-page resolution, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said they found sufficient grounds to issue the preventive suspension against the mayor because of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a public officer, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest among others.
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“In accordance with Section 27 of Republic Act No. 6770, this Order is immediately executory. Notwithstanding any motion, appeal, or petition that may be filed by respondents seeking relief from this Order, unless otherwise ordered by this Office or any court of competent jurisdiction, the implementation of this Order shall not be interrupted within the period prescribed,” Martires said.
The case stemmed from a complaint of several city hall employees who were removed from their posts and assigned to other departments. They said they were not paid for 10 months.
When asked for comment, Rama said he has yet to receive a copy of the suspension order from the Ombudsman.
“How can I be into a preventive suspension? I have not received a copy of any complaint,” Rama said. (PNA)
