MANILA, Philippines -- Montalban Mayor Pedro Cuerpo can continue assuming office after Malacañang issued a stay order on his suspension, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Friday.

Ermita said he signed on Thursday the order allowing Cuerpo to serve as mayor of the Rizal town until he has submitted his position on his pending case.

In a separate interview, Local and Interior Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said the order will be served Friday.

The Rizal provincial government has suspended Cuerpo for six months ostensibly for illegally raising taxes and fees on the town’s landfills.