DAVAO CITY – Malacañang suspended Gov. Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte for 30 more days after serving a two-month suspension.
JUBAHIB (center). (FB)
Jubahib was slated to resume his office duties on Monday, June 10, after the 60-day preventive suspension imposed by Malacañang concluded.
However, another suspension directive thwarted his return, said Jubahib in a video message he posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, June 11.
“I regret to inform you (Davao del Norte residents) that I cannot return to my office as governor following another suspension order,” Jubahib said in a local dialect.
The Office of the President issued the 30-day suspension on Friday, June 7, for allegedly supporting a protest rally against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
Jubahib strongly disapproved of Nordeco due to its alleged low-quality service and power disruptions that hindered provincial growth.
He cited the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) as among the areas that endured the cooperative’s deficient operations, leading to demands for a more dependable electricity provider.
Nordeco had earlier vowed to resolve the issue of power interruptions in Igacos and other concerned areas that have been the subject of complaints from the government and the people.
Jubahib said he will take the suspension as a challenge. He added that he stood up and fought for the people of the province who struggled due to the inconvenience Nordeco caused.
“If this is the price I have to pay for public service, then so be it,” the governor said while hoping for a positive outcome in the struggle for the welfare of the residents of Davao del Norte.
Jubahib was suspended on April 11 due to allegations of grave abuse of authority and oppression before the new preventive suspension order was issued.
Vice Gov. De Carlo Uy will remain as acting governor.