Catanduanes vice gov, 11 boardmembers face 6-month suspension

By Bobby Q. Labalan and Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY — Eleven members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Catanduanes and the provincial vice governor have been ordered suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman, according to an order dated May 22, 2026.

The preventive suspension, signed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, covers Vice Governor Robert Fernandez and the following board members: Josevan Balidoy, Giovanni Balmadrid, Jose Romeo Francisco, Edwin Tanael, Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr., Arnel Turado, Dean Robert Vergara, Santos Zafe, and ex-officio members Alvin Rodriguez (Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation president), Tito Villamor (Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation president), and Rafael Zuniega (Philippine Councilors’ League Provincial president).

Only two members of the provincial board were spared from the suspension—Board Members Fred Gianan, who is expected to assume as acting vice governor, and Xyrell Albaniel.

The preventive suspension order stemmed from a complaint filed by Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza on December 8, 2025, accusing the officials of multiple violations related to the handling of disaster response funds and delayed legislative action on key provincial measures.

QRF dispute, budget issues

Central to the complaint was the provincial board’s handling of a resolution involving assistance for survivors of Super

Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong). The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) had approved P30.5 million worth of in-kind assistance for affected residents.

However, the provincial board later passed a separate resolution shifting the aid from in-kind support to direct cash assistance. Azanza vetoed the measure, arguing that cash aid was not allowed under existing laws and guidelines, but the board subsequently overrode his veto.

Azanza also questioned the board’s rejection of his appointees—Provincial Engineer Jose Rafael Manoguid, Provincial Human Resource Officer Alissa Anne Sanchez, and Provincial General Services Officer Senen Razal—despite their high rankings in the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board evaluation, which was also created by the provincial board itself.

The complaint further cited the alleged undue delay in the approval of the provincial government’s 2026 budget, despite repeated appeals from the executive department, as well as the board’s prioritization of other agenda items in violation of the Local Government Code.

Azanza also raised the delayed approval of a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the distribution of construction materials for typhoon victims. Despite certification that the materials had already been delivered, the board reportedly insisted on conducting its own inspection before acting on the agreement.

Persona non grata

After Azanza filed the complaint, the provincial board declared him persona non grata, accusing him of defying resolutions, disrespecting a co-equal branch of government, and abusing his authority.

Ombudsman findings, legal basis

The Ombudsman said the suspended officials may face dismissal from service if the allegations are proven. It cited Section 24 of the Republic Act No. 6770, which allows preventive suspension when evidence of guilt is strong and the charges involve grave misconduct, oppression, or neglect of duty, or when continued service may prejudice the investigation.

The order also warned that while six months is the maximum duration of preventive suspension, it may be extended if delays in the case are attributable to the respondents.

The Ombudsman likewise noted that the officials’ actions could warrant removal from public service if proven.

Reaction, implementation concerns

Governor Azanza welcomed the Ombudsman’s decision, saying it would help expedite the approval of programs and funding intended for Catanduanes constituents.

However, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bicol Director Arnaldo Escober said his office had not yet received a copy of the suspension order, noting it appeared to have been served directly to the respondents. He added that the situation may require the designation of temporary replacements under the Local Government Code.

Escober said political parties of the suspended officials may recommend replacements, to be appointed by the President through the DILG Secretary, while sectoral representatives may be replaced by their respective vice presidents.

Azanza, meanwhile, made a separate appeal to the Office of the President, recommending interim replacements to ensure continuity of legislative functions in the province.

Political tension

The case highlights continuing political tensions between Azanza and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, whose majority members are allies or party-mates of the former governor whom Azanza defeated in the last election despite a strong political machinery in the province.