By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
Paoay, Ilocos Norte—The Court of Appeals issued a 60-day temporary restraining order against the dismissal of Paoay Mayor Jessie Galano.
Armed with the seven-page copy of the TRO dated June 21, Mr. Galano faced the press on saying he is just waiting for the Department of Interior and Local Government to serve the TRO to all concerned parties.
On June 14, the DILG served the dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman against Paoay mayor and his municipal administrator, Bruno Dumlao for grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
“This is just a trial on the part of the Paoayeños. What happened was just a simple neglect of duty and not corruption. It was procedural in nature and I thank God for helping me extend my public service,” said Mr. Galano.
CA Associate Justice Stephen C. Cruz penned the TRO and concurred with by CA Presiding Judge Romeo F. Barza and Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting.
The case stemmed from the filing of administrative charges in 2015 by then Paoay Mayor Dolores Clemente against then Paoay Vice Mayor Galano and Sangguniang Bayan member Bruno Dumlao in violation of Republic Act No. 6713 and Republic Act No. 7160 specifically on the falsification of travel documents which they reimbursed from the municipal treasurer’s office.
“We still have so many plans for Paoay and we are grateful to serve. How I wish the DILG will implement the order real soon,” Mr. Galano said.