MANILA, Philippines?The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the preventive suspension of Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr.

The high court issued an indefinite temporary restraining order (TRO) against an Oct. 28 order by the Ombudsman suspending the governor and three other key provincial officials for six months. The officials are facing complaints in connection with the provincial government?s takeover of a tax delinquent paper plant some time ago.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, chair of the high court?s Third Division, told the Ombudsman to hold the suspension ?until further orders from this Court.?

She also ordered the Ombudsman and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno to comment within 10 days on Garcia?s petition for certiorari and prohibition.

Garcia went to the Supreme Court on Nov. 18 after the Court of Appeals denied his petition for a TRO.

Garcia said his case had ?extreme urgency due to the great risk of public unrest and violence that may erupt at any time.?

Garcia?s preventive suspension stemmed from the provincial government?s takeover of a tax delinquent paper plant.

The takeover has since been amicably settled but three workers had filed criminal and administrative charges against Garcia and other officials.

Included in the suit were provincial legal officer Aurelio Angeles Jr., provincial treasurer Emerlinda Talento and provincial administrator Rodolfo de Mesa. They were also ordered suspended by the Ombudsman.

In his petition, Garcia named as respondents Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro, Interior Secretary Rolando Puno and the private complainants Josechito Gonzaga, Ruel Masino and Alfredo Santos. Dona Pazzibugan