A 90-day suspension pendente lite was meted by the Sandiganbayan against Bien Unido Vice Mayor Rene Borenaga and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Froilan Romo.
Also facing trial for graft are former Mayor Nino Rey Boniel, now 2nd District Board Member, former Vice Mayor Petronilo Justiniane, Jr., former SB members Patricio Avenido, Eduardo Gentapa, Sotero Maacas, Jr., Rogelio Villarias, now Asst. Provincial Assessor and Alejo Boniel.
According to sources at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Boniel started serving his suspension last week.
Virginia Baruffol, a cockpit operator went to the Ombudsman after her renewal of her license to operate a cockpit was not renewed and “arbitrarily rejected”, according to the Ombudsman.
According to the Ombudsman, the accused municipal officials “hastily granted the privilege to an unregistered business entity controlled by Boniel’s relatives”.
Under the Local Government Code, the SB is empowered to authorize and license the establishment, operation and maintenance of cockpits. (Chito M. Visarra)