Malacañang order defied by Guimaras execs on Buenavista spat
Doors were closed, literally, in the Buenavista town hall as two of its top officials made an attempt to hold office Monday. It was to be the 'statement' expressed by the duo's colleagues in response to a Malacañang order 'lifting' the earlier suspension order handed down by the Guimaras Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
As such, victory was short-lived for the beleaguered officials, Buenavista Vice Mayor Herald Gregg Gagatam and Councilor Jonayreh Gaitano, 'beneficiaries' of a favorable action from no less than the Office of the President.
Gagatam and Gaitano's troubles stemmed from a December administrative case lodged by Mayor Samuel Gumarin before the Guimaras SP. The move was objected by the two as questions were raised on the matter of jurisdiction.
In a Petition filed before Malacañang, the Vice Mayor hit back with a complaint for usurpation praying that the SP body of Guimaras be restrained from taking over said administrative case.
Docketed as O.P. Case No. 06-A-015, Manuel Gaite, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs moved to direct Gagatam as appellant and members of the Guimaras SP headed by Vice Governor Aurelio Tionado to present its position.
Such as Gaite ordered to have the suspension order "stayed" pending final resolution of the instant appeal.
Armed with the May 15, 2006 Order, Gagatam and Gaitano reported back to work and made an attempt to attend Monday's regular session. However the duo was met by the absence of fellow municipal officials that rendered the town hall a 'ghost town.'
Reached by radio reporters, Gaitano expressed dismay while saying that they have once again fell victim to too much politicking in Buenavista. The duo are identified to be in the "other camp" and known critics of the mayor and the Provincial Governor.
Sources close to the two said legal moves are underway in response to the continued refusal of Buenavista executives to recognize Malacañang's Order. This, as the "other camp" also filed an urgent appeal and pushed for the suspension.
The Vice Mayor is supposed to be suspended for twelve months while Councilor Gaitano was barred from holding office until his term ends.