• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
La Castellana Councilor Donato Dumaguit of Negros Occidental, who has been implicated in the alleged Philippine National Police (PNP) recruitment scam, may face suspension or removal from office for unauthorized absences.
Teodora Sumagaysay, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, raised these possibilities after Dumaguit failed to attend six consecutive sessions and a special session of the Sangguniang Bayan.
His absences came after he was linked to the alleged police recruitment scam, which victimized some 47 police aspirants, majority of whom are residents of La Castellana.
Sumagaysay said six consecutive is already a ground for disciplinary action.
La Castellana Councilor Leonardo Bacquian, chairman of the committee on rules, earlier said they have no choice but to charge Dumaguit for dereliction of duty for failure to discharge his duties as a municipal councilor.
Dumaguit faces 11 counts of large-scale estafa charges before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Sumagaysay said the La Castellana Sangguniang Bayan has the option to lodge an administrative case against Dumaguit, either before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental or the Office of the Ombudsman.
Since there is an election ban on certain acts, an investigation or imposition of preventive suspension is not allowed, she added.
The moratorium will end on Nov. 29 this year.
La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, who received a letter from the Municipal Council detailing their action on the case of Dumaguit, said she already referred the case to the provincial government.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. yesterday confirmed they already received a letter from the mayor in connection with the case of Dumaguit.
“As of now, we are studying the case to make a legal opinion for the mayor”, Nellas said.
Bacquian said they were informed by Dumaguit that he fears for his life. | GB
