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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Mayor in Northern Samar back to work as Ombudsman junks grave abuse case vs him

Mayor in Northern Samar back to work as Ombudsman junks grave abuse case vs him

Published May 3, 2024 05:20 am

TACLOBAN CITY – Suspended Mayor Jose Arturo Suan of Allen, Northern Samar returned to work after more than three months following the recent dismissal by the Office of Ombudsman of the charges of grave abuse of authority or oppression filed against him.

SUAN.jpg

SUAN (Contributed photo)

The case stemmed from his alleged illegal construction of a road project without the appropriate expropriation proceedings and the demolition of the concrete fence built by the owner who opposed the project on her property.

Suan filed a motion for reconsideration to reverse the order by the Office of the Ombudsman.

In its dismissal order, the Ombudsman pointed out that there is no probable cause to indict Suan for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practice Act.

"After a cautious and judicious examination of the instant case, this Office finds that there is no substantial evidence to warrant the imposition of administrative sanction against the respondent-movant for Grave Abuse of Authority or Oppression."

"The basic rule is that mere allegation is not evidence and is not equivalent to proof. Charges based on mere suspicion and speculation likewise cannot be given credence. When the complainant relies on mere conjectures and suppositions and fails to substantiate his allegations, the complaint must be dismissed for lack of merit.”

Vice Mayor Christian Lao temporarily assumed as mayor while Sangguniang Bayan Member Ronnel Cajandab acted as the presiding officer of the SB during Suan's suspension.

"Our detractors may hurl countless lies in an attempt to bring me down, but as always, the adage holds true: ‘The truth shall set us free,’" the mayor said.

He added that the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman reaffirms his commitment to consistently stand in favor of the people by dismantling oppressive barriers – like the divisive "fence" – aimed at subjugating the poor.

"I choose to move forward, perhaps this is a divine nudge for me to pause, reflect on my responses to adversity, and emerge stronger from these trials. I trust that I have met these challenges with integrity and grace."

Suan was meted with a six-month suspension without pay. He received the suspension order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Northern Samar on January 12.
 

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NORTHERN SAMAR Suspension order Mayor Jose Arturo Suan Ombudsman
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