Mayor faces misconduct charge, is suspended

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines—The Tarlac provincial board has suspended Mayor Miguel Rivilla of Paniqui town for 60 days while it investigates charges of misconduct, abuse of authority and culpable violation of the Constitution filed against him for releasing P2.9 million for the salaries of contractual workers.

Rivilla, a second cousin of President Benigno Aquino III, is also fighting an electoral protest filed by his political rival, Nationalist People’s Coalition candidate Rommel David.

The mayor’s suspension was the board’s action to a complaint filed by David’s wife, municipal Councilor Evelyn David, who charged that Rivilla’s actions were illegal.

In a phone interview on Friday, Rivilla said the salaries for the contractual employees were appropriated in a reenacted budget. He said he proceeded with the payment after seeking advice from the Department of Budget and Management.

The Commission on Audit had not disallowed the payment from last year’s budget, he said.

Rivilla filed a motion for reconsideration in the board, which is headed by Vice Gov. Enrique Cojuangco Jr., another relative. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon