Bragas now Abra Vice-Governor; Bernos says her suspension is politically motivated

Bangued, Abra – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, Attorney Russel Bragas now assumes the role of Vice Governor Maria Jocelyn Valera-Bernos, following an order from the Malacañang Palace mandating the latter’s suspension for 18 months.

Bragas was officially installed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday, August 27.

Based on the rules of succession, Bragas shall be tasked to ‘discharge the powers and perform the duties and functions of a Vice-Governor as mandated by law’.

To recall, Bernos was issued a suspension order, dated August 12, in connection to her order of locking down Dr. Petronillo Seares Sr. Memorial Hospital during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when she was still the governor of Abra.

The suspension order stated that Valera-Bernos has committed oppression and abuse of authority under the Local Government Code, and made conduct which is unbecoming of a public official under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

She will be suspended for 18 months as a result of her action.

To recall, Dr. Voltaire Seares, the medical director of the hospital placed under lockdown was the one who filed the administrative complaint in 2020.

The suspension is politically motivated - Bernos

As to Bernos, she said the suspension order made was politically motivated. In the official statement, she issued on August 22, she said the suspension was aimed at ‘attacking her character and reputation’.

Bernos reasoned out that her action, along with other officials, at that time was a decision they made ‘for the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of all Abreños from the threats of COVID-19.’

“It was never aimed to target any specific hospital, but a necessary and immediate action to mitigate the probable spread of the virus when at that time no known control and vaccine were available,” she added.