SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – The Office of the Ombudsman on July 31 suspended acting Mayor Justin Colago here for six months over a complaint filed by suspended Mayor Arcadio Gapangada Jr. on April 27.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will implement the order against Colago for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority, and grave misconduct.
“The Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to place Colago under preventive suspension in connection with charges for grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” the DILG said.
Gapangada alleged that Colago “certified and signed appointment papers, daily time records, accomplishment reports, and payroll documents for a job order worker.”
Colago will be replaced by Councilor Carmela Acebedo in an acting capacity.
Gapangada was suspended following Colago’s complaint that he allegedly transferred and stripped city officials and employees of their functions to accommodate job order workers.