The Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan - Ilocos Norte affirmed its order of suspension for six (6) months against Solsona Mayor Jonathan L. De Lara, Vice-Mayor Joseph E. De Lara and Councillor Edison E. De Lara for Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct, and Conduct Unbecoming Public Officers.
The Order approved on 10 December 2015 stated that it is “final and executory after the lapse of thirty (30) days from receipt of copies thereof by the respondents, and considering further that a copy thereof was received by all the respondents on November 10, 2015.” The said Order released by SP was signed by Governor Imee Marcos.
Meanwhile, a photocopied Stay Order from the Office of the President posted in front of the Mayor’s office stating that a Most urgent Ex Parte plea for a Stay of Execution Order. Wherein, stated also “to prevent the appeal of the respondents from becoming moot and academic, and to enable the office of the President to sufficiently consider the merits thereof, the execution of the Decision dated 09 November 2015 of the Sangguninag Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte is hereby stayed pursuant to Section 9 of Administrative Order No. 22, series of 2011.” So ordered and signed by Deputy Executive Secretary for legal Affairs, Menardo I. Guevarra.
Moreover, the Office of the Mayor (Jonathan De Lara) was closed and nobody is present to receive the Suspension Order from the Sangguninang Panlalawigan, although, it was posted on the entrance door of the said office.
The De Laras’ were not seen around the Municipal Building and no one is present also in their houses. However, their legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Agustin states that “the Stay Order from the Office of the President is valid and there is no more explanation about it and it is clear under the law, with due respect to the Executive Body of the Philippines that mandate such.” (Bernard Ver - Bombo Radyo Philippines)
