Davao del Norte gov suspended, cries harassment

The Office of the President has ordered the 60-day preventive suspension of Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib amid various administrative complaints, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.

Jubahib, in a statement, said the suspension was “pure political harassment” and vowed not to step down.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the suspension order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, came following the lodging of complaints against the governor for alleged “misuse of authority, potential oppression, and the utilization of government funds to advance the interests of a private company.”

During the serving of the order, Jubahib’s supporters reportedly barricaded the gates of the Provincial Capitol.

“Let us fight the harassment, injustice, and power tripping perpetrated by the people who are greedy for power,” the governor told his supporters.

He said the affidavit complaint for “grave abuse of authority and oppression” was filed by a Board Member of the province.

But he said he was not given the chance to answer the allegations before the suspension came.  He added he believed his case “does not merit a suspension order.”

Jubahib said he could have earned the ire of some officials for exposing the “ayuda scam” linked to some of his political opponents “who have access to Malacanang.”

He said he also did not support the People’s Initiative signature campaign.  He was also pushing to end the franchise of an electric  utility company to give his constituents efficient and reliable energy.

“I will only step down if it is the will of the 400,000 constituents who voted for me,” he said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News