Virac, Catanduanes — Vice Governor Robert A. Fernandez has clarified that as of May 29, the preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman has not yet been formally served to him and eleven members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), insisting that the provincial legislative leadership remains active and fully functional.
In an official statement released on May 29, Fernandez said copies of the Ombudsman order circulating in public have not been officially served through proper implementing authorities, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
He said that what reached their office was only a photocopy of the document, which was reportedly handed over by staff from the Office of the Governor.
“As of this moment, our office has NOT been formally served this order by the proper implementing authorities, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” Fernandez said.
Because of this, Fernandez maintained that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan remains “fully active, functional, and intact” pending proper and legal implementation of the suspension order.
The Vice Governor further explained that the complaint filed against them is linked to the SP’s position on the utilization of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
He said the SP supported the allocation of direct cash assistance to affected residents to allow them to immediately address their needs.
“We firmly believe that fighting for the welfare and immediate relief of our calamity-stricken citizens is not misconduct—it is our highest duty as elected officials,” Fernandez said.
He also emphasized that a preventive suspension does not constitute a finding of guilt.
“A preventive suspension is NOT a penalty, nor is it a final ruling of guilt,” he added.
However, a source cited by Bicol Peryodiko presented a contrasting account, saying the Office of the Ombudsman has the authority to directly implement its suspension orders through its own process servers or sheriffs, without necessarily waiting for DILG action.
According to the source, Ombudsman personnel themselves allegedly served the suspension order on May 28 at around 3:00 p.m., accompanied only by staff from the Office of the Governor to assist in locating the SP offices inside the Provincial Capitol.
“OMB can implement and enforce its own orders through its own process server/sheriff. DILG may also implement it at the discretion of the Ombudsman,” the source said.
The source further claimed that the Ombudsman personnel were accompanied by Governor’s Office staff simply because they were unfamiliar with the location of the SP office.
“Nagpasama lang sa GO staff kasi hindi niya alam ang office ng SP,” the source added.
The same source also warned that failure to comply with the suspension order may result in further legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman reportedly issued a public advisory on its official Facebook page regarding the implementation of the preventive suspension order.
Fernandez, for his part, said they are prepared to respond to all allegations through proper legal channels and assured continued delivery of public service while the matter is being resolved.
| via Francis Benedict | Bicol Peryodiko Integrated News |
