Mayor, ex-vice gov shave heads as sign of protest

By Paulo DS. Papa

PILI Mayor Tomas Bongalonta, former Camarines Sur Vice Governor Fortunato Pena and several of their supporters have their heads shaved on Monday, Feb. 15 in protest of the 60-days suspension order against Bongalonta issued by Gov. Migz Villafuerte.

The head shaving protest activity is part of the “Pakalbo Contra Abuso asin Korupsyon kan Kapitolyo”, a local movement against alleged rampant corruption in the provincial government of Camarines Sur.

SHAVEN HEADS Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta (right) and ex-Vice Governor Fortunato Peña have their heads shaved in protest for the Pili mayor’s 60-day suspension. PHOTO CURTESY: JOE CAGUIMBAL

To recall, the Sangguniang Panglalawigan last week passed a resolution recommending the issuance of the 60-day preventive suspension against Bongalonta.

Bongalonta’s suspension stemmed from a case filed last year against him by his former budget officer, Eileen Ceron, in connection with the payment of the salary of former municipal administrator Engr. Rex Resuena, whose appointment did not get the concurrence of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Vice Mayor Marivic Solano has assumed as the acting mayor while Bongalonta serves his two months suspension.