Tabuk City Mayor Estrañero to serve 6-month suspension

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero is set to step down from post to serve a 6-month suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman once it takes effect.

The suspension order is in relation to a list of cases filed against the Mayor at the Office of the Ombudsman.

In a copy of the Order obtained by Guru Press Cordillera, it showed the panel made the decision on November 28, 2022 and was later released on July 11, 2023.

In June 2020, former Vice Mayor Bernard Glenn M. Dao-as filed charges before the said office against the mayor for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Price Act (R.A. No. 7581, as amended by R.A. No. 10623), and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (R.A. No. 11649) due to the infamous thermal scanner.

Dao-as, in his affidavit-complaint, specified the 100 pieces of thermal scanners with a market price of P300-P400 but bought on March 24, 2020, by the city government for P12,000 each. In his defense, the mayor earlier said their move was due to ‘a matter of life and death.’

A known critic of the local executive, Dao-as who also filed a complaint for grave misconduct against the same, alleged that Estrañero is administratively liable for knowingly entering into a contract that is grossly disadvantageous to the government.

Other controversies raised against the mayor were the procurement of the 1.8-hectare lot in Laya worth P46 million and the alleged overpriced P9 million worth of foliar fertilizer.

Such matters were then the talk of the town, attracting attention from various news outlets and raising speculations from both sides.

In its 40-page consolidated decision, the Office of the Ombudsman slapped Estrañero with suspension from service for 6 months.

“In the event that the suspension can no longer be enforced due to respondent’s separation from the service, the same shall be converted into a FINE equivalent to respondent’s salary for six months,” reads the decision.

With the mayor’s impending suspension, the incumbent Vice Mayor will take the latter’s position.

The city government has yet to release any statement about the suspension.

Meantime, administrative cases against officials and members of Bids and Awards Committee including Arnold G. Tenedero, Arthur G. Kub-ao Sr., Juanito B. Amangan Jr., Elmer M. Agliam, Edgar B. Sannadan, and Mary Grace L. Pocais, along with City Health Officer Henrietta S. Bagayao are dismissed.

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