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Suspended Nueva Ecija governor slams filing of case

Philippines | Luzon

Suspended Nueva Ecija governor slams filing of case

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio M. Umali on Sunday claimed that filing of a case before the Ombudsman that resulted to his one-year suspension was politically motivated.

UMALI (FB)

"The complainant is a well-known ‘perennial complainant,’ who has long been involved in political cases and is currently serving as a security aide to one of my strongest political rivals — an individual who has already publicly declared his intention to run for governor in 2028,” Umali said in an online statement.

Umali said he respects the legal process.

“I respect the legal process, but I must make it clear that this case does not involve any criminal charge nor any issue of corruption, theft, or wrongdoing. This is purely a matter of legal interpretation and implementation of the law regarding the issuance of CSG permits."

Umali said that the case is not about genuine public service concerns but partisan interests.

He said that that the filing of case against him aimed to discredit and derail the programs of the provincial government that have been serving people, particularly farmers.

Umali has filed a motion for reconsideration. "We will continue to go through the proper legal process because we firmly believe in truth and justice."

He assured the people of Nueva Ecija that he will serve them and sustain programs that will benefit them.

" If I am removed from office, I will remain with you, not as governor, but as a fellow Novo Ecijano who shares the same hopes and struggles, and who is determined to continue fighting for what is right."

The Ombudsman suspended Umali for one year without pay after he was found guilty of administrative complaints for irregular issuance of quarry permits without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Related Tags

Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali Ombudsman Suspension

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