QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a six-month preventive suspension without pay against Catanduanes Vice Governor Robert A. Fernandez and 11 members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) amid ongoing administrative complaints filed by Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza.
The order, signed on May 22, 2026 by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, applies to the following provincial officials: Robert A. Fernandez, Josevan Balidoy, Giovanni Balmadrid, Jose Romeo Francisco, Alvin V. Rodriguez, Edwin Tanael, Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr., Arnel Turado, Dean Roberto Vergara, Tito V. Villamor, Santos V. Zafe, and Rafael C. Zuniega.
The case, officially docketed as Azanza vs. Fernandez, et al., OMB-L-A-MAR-26-0059, arises from complaints alleging grave misconduct, abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The preventive suspension follows a series of alleged irregularities in the governance of Catanduanes, particularly concerning disaster relief and administrative operations after Super Typhoon “Uwan” struck the province in November 2025. The typhoon damaged over 39,000 homes, prompting the governor to request proper allocation and utilization of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) and other local funds, totaling ₱30,505,678.14, for relief operations.
The Ombudsman order indicated that the SP allegedly altered the proposed fund allocation, including removing ₱4.25 million intended for hauling, and proposed converting other allocations into cash assistance instead of goods and construction materials, delaying essential aid to affected residents.
Other complaints cited in the order include:
- Blocking appointments and contracts: The SP allegedly refused to confirm governor-appointed department heads and denied the governor authority to sign valid contracts of service, impeding proper administrative functions.
- Delaying the 2026 provincial budget: The SP reportedly postponed approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, causing operational delays and hampering government service delivery.
- Deferring a memorandum of agreement with DHSUD: Approval for a housing and construction assistance MOA for typhoon victims was allegedly delayed, despite DHSUD inspection confirming receipt of materials in good condition.
- Declaring the governor persona non grata: The SP passed a resolution declaring Governor Azanza persona non grata, which the Ombudsman viewed as potentially retaliatory and prejudicial to governance.
The Ombudsman cited Section 24 of Republic Act No. 6770 and Section 3, Rule VI of Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2026, as legal bases for preventive suspension. The suspension is intended to preserve evidence, prevent interference with the investigation, and maintain the integrity of government operations while allegations are being examined.
The suspension will remain in effect for six months, unless the administrative investigation concludes earlier. Any delays resulting from the respondents’ own actions, petitions, or negligence will not count toward the suspension period.
Ombudsman Remulla emphasized that the suspension does not constitute a final determination of guilt. It is a precautionary measure designed to ensure the administrative investigation proceeds without obstruction.
Governor Azanza welcomed the suspension, stating that it helps safeguard impartiality and transparency in the investigation, ensuring accountability among provincial officials. | via Francis Benedict | Bicol Peryodiko Integrated News
