SUN STAR

CEBU

Suspension over, mayor

returns
Sunday, November 08, 2015
By
FLORNISA M. GITGANO

DUMANJUG Municipal Mayor Nelson Garcia returned to office last Nov. 5 after serving his
six-month suspension as penalty for an administrative case filed against him by Vice Mayor
Efren Guntrano Gica. Garcia wrote Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III last Nov. 3, informing him
that his suspension order has expired last Nov. 4. I have the honor to inform you that the
six-month suspension imposed upon me by your suspension order, dated April 30, 2015,
and which took effect upon my receipt on May 4, 2015 and, will expire on Nov. 4, 2015,
Garcia said in his letter.
Accordingly, I will assume the exercise of the powers and responsibilities of the Office of
the Mayor at the start of office hours on Nov. 5, 2015, the mayor added. Garcias
suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by Gica for the mayors alleged grave abuse of
authority and grave misconduct in office by appointing a secretary to the Municipal Council.
The Provincial Board found the mayor guilty and recommended a six-month suspension.
When Garcia was suspended, Gica sat as the acting mayor. In an interview, Davide said he
need not answer Garcias letter because the mayor only informed the governors office of
the resumption of his duties. Davide received Garcias letter last Nov. 4. Last October,
Garcia asked the Office of the President for the quick resolution of his appeal on the PBs
decision suspending him.
He had also filed an appeal last May 6 after he received the suspension order. Although he
is back as mayor, he still wants the President to resolve his appeal. If the mayor will be
exonerated, he expects to receive his salary and benefits, which were held for the past eight
months, including during his two-month preventive suspension.