Malacañang has placed National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) chairman Franklin Quijano on a 90-day preventive suspension as the Palace probes accusations of gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct.

In an order dated July 9, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Quijano is suspended considering the gravity of the accusations hurled against him.

"...in order to prevent possible undue exertion of influence on witnesses and tampering of evidence, his preventive suspension pending investigation is warranted,” the order read.

The 90-day preventive suspension takes effect immediately.

The allegations against Quijano stemmed from a complaint filed by a certain Jose Francisco Tapia for gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct.

Prior to the complaint, there had been calls for a revamp of the NCSC for alleged graft and corruption.

Five NCSC commissioners, namely Ricardo Rainier, Enriqueta Rodeles, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Reymar Mansilungan, and Edwin Espejo have accused Quijano of bypassing the NCSC as a collegial body.

Their allegations include 11 acts of grave abuse of authority, four acts of gross misconduct, nine acts of gross negligence of duty, two acts of ignorance of the law, and conduct inimical to the public's interest.

Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes has echoed the call of the NCSC officials for Quijano's removal from the body.

"I call for the removal of Franklin Quijano from the NCSC and the filing of graft and corruption charges against Quijano before the Ombudsman," he said.

In a statement, Quijano said he was surprised by the allegations made by his colleagues.

"This was something that I did not see forthcoming, thus, I was appalled and quite stunned, especially at a time when my schedules were packed with activities, primarily focused on NCSC'S responsibilities and obligations to the Seniors of our country, as well as our respective duties and responsibilities," he said.

However, he said he welcomed any investigation into the issues hurled against him as he has a clear conscience.

"Having an impartial and thorough review and investigation is the only way forward. This way, we will not just take the liberty of pointing fingers," Quijano said.

"I have a clear conscience as I have, to date, never been found guilty of any malicious and unjust accusations or allegations of corruption, malversation of funds, and abuse of authority thrown at me with the intent of tainting my reputation and credibility," he added.