📷Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Z. Duterte
THE administration seemed bent on pinning down personalities behind the series of Maisug rallies as Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib was slapped with another 60-day suspension, just when he was about to reassume his post after serving the first suspension order.
A prominent figure closely identified with former President Rodrigo Duterte, Jubahib personally received the four-page 60-day preventive suspension from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Abdullah Matalam, this time for taking part in a protest rally against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the suspension order dated June 4, 2024.
“The urgent suspension is GRANTED pursuant to Section 53(a) and (b) of Republic Act 7160 and Section 1.8 of the Administrative Code No. 23, Series of 1992, as amended. Governor Edwin I. Jubahib is placed under PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION for 30 DAYS effective immediately upon receipt.”
The latest suspension embarks on Jubahib’s supposed radical stance in a motorcade rally supporting a House Bill seeking to kick Nordeco out in favor of the Davao Light and Power Company.
The complainants – Diahne Czari Semic, Roc Baco and Dir. Ernido Malone – presented sworn testimonies regarding Jubahib’s supposed admission on requiring capitol employees to join the motorcade protest rally against Nordeco.
Semic, Baco and Malone also claimed under oath that the governor even dispatched the provincial government-owned vehicles for that purpose.
Jubahib who has openly admitted against Nordeco for his part, said that such a call was part of his duty as provincial governor.
In several instances, the Davao del Norte governor assailed Nordeco for its alleged inadequate service and frequent power interruptions, which he claimed adversely affected businesses in the province, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal.
Amid what he claimed as Nordeco’s sub par performance, the provincial chief executive hinted at an urgent need to replace Nordeco.
Previously, Duterte took a swipe at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. whom he accused of veering towards becoming an authoritarian.
“Mr. President, hindi mo na sinusunod ang demokrasya. You are veering toward a more authoritarian leader. Tinanggal mo ang governor ng Davao del Norte na walang rason!” said Duterte in reference to President Marcos Jr.
“What is very unbelievable for me is wala silang ibinigay na notice kay Governor Jubahib. Wala lahat. Basta sinabi lang sa kanya na umalis ka! Mr. President, Governor Jubahib is elected by the people. You respect the will of the people of Davao del Norte! You are violating his right to due process of law. You are veering dangerously to being an authoritarian leader. Hindi ko nagustuhan yung style mo, Mr. President,” the former President added. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
