Rodriguez dad, 3 others face suspension for forced demolition

MANILA, Philippines - The mayor of Rodriguez town in Rizal is facing possible suspension from the Sandiganbayan for his alleged involvement in the forcible demolition of tents and temporary shelters of several town residents. This was after the Office of the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to charge Mayor Pedro Cuerpo, along with three other Rodriguez officials, with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Also facing suspension are municipal engineer Fernando Rono, village chairman Salvador Simbulan, and police officer Renato Evasco. In a petition, Ombudsman Special Assistant Prosecutor Maria Janina Hidalgo said the law “provides for the suspension of a public officer against whom valid information has been filed under specific instances.” The suspension petition stemmed from charges filed by six Rodriguez residents who alleged Cuerpo and company used their positions to “deprived them of the lawful use of their land and without due process of law and without any legal basis or court order caused the forcible demolition of their temporary shelters.” The complainants were identified as Leticia Nanay, Nancy Barsubia, Gemma Bernal, Ma. Victoria Ramirez, Crisanta Oxina and Adelaida Ebio. Hidalgo said suspension of Cuerpo and the other officials during the pendency of the graft case “is mandatory and ministerial under law and jurisprudence”. Aside from the suspension charges, Cuerpo is currently facing sedition charges filed by Rodriguez Vice-Mayor Jonas Cruz before the Rizal Provincial Prosecutors Office for allegedly “planning and effectively carrying out” a public and tumultuous uprising. - GMANews.TV