Ombudsman suspends Catanduanes vice governor, 11 board members for 6 months

ALBAY, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the six-month preventive suspension of Catanduanes Vice Governor Robert Fernandez and 11 members of the provincial board over allegations of grave misconduct, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Suspended along with Fernandez under the May 22 order signed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla were the following board members:

• Josevan Balidoy
• Giovanni Balmadrid
• Jose Romeo Francisco
• Edwin Tanael 
• Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr.
• Arnel Turado
• Dean Robert Vergara
• Santos Zafe
• Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President Alvin Rodriguez
• Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation President Tito Villamor
• Philippine Councilors’ League Provincial President Rafael Zuniega

Only board members Fred Gianan and Xyrell Albaniel were not included in the suspension order. Gianan is expected to serve as acting vice governor.

Governor’s allegations

The preventive suspension order stemmed from a complaint filed by Governor Patrick Azanza on December 8, 2025, accusing the officials of several violations, including their handling of a resolution on aid for survivors of Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong).

According to the complaint, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved P30.5 million worth of in-kind assistance for typhoon victims. The provincial board later passed a separate resolution seeking to provide direct cash aid instead.

Azanza vetoed the measure, saying cash assistance was not allowed under existing laws and guidelines, but the provincial board overrode the veto.

The complaint also accused the provincial board of contradicting itself after it rejected Azanza’s appointees – Provincial Engineer Jose Rafael Manoguid, Provincial Human Resource Officer Alissa Anne Sanchez and Provincial General Services Officer Senen Razal – citing failure to meet minimum qualifications.

The Ombudsman noted, however, that the three nominees were ranked first among all candidates based on the evaluation of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, which the respondents themselves created.

The order also cited allegations that the provincial board delayed granting authority for Azanza to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the distribution of construction materials to typhoon victims.

Despite certification from the department that the materials had already been delivered, the provincial board allegedly withheld approval and insisted on conducting its own inspection.

Azanza also complained about the alleged undue delay in the approval of the provincial government’s 2026 budget despite repeated appeals from the executive branch. He alleged that his appeal was ignored by the provincial board which prioritized other matters, in violation of the Local Government Code.

‘Persona non grata’

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

The Ombudsman said the suspended officials could face dismissal from service if the allegations are proven.

Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bicol Director Arnaldo Escober said his office had yet to receive a copy of the suspension order, adding that it appeared to have been served directly to the respondents.

Escober said the situation could require the appointment of temporary replacement board members under the Local Government Code. He said the vice governor would likely be replaced by the most senior board member who was not suspended.

He added that the political parties of the suspended officials would recommend replacements, while the appointments would be issued by the President through the DILG secretary. – Rappler.com