DILG awaiting Comelec order over Rama’s suspension—Palace

DILG secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento. FILE PHOTO

Malacañang on Tuesday said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was still waiting for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to rule on the impending suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama regarding the allocation of P20,000 calamity aid to city hall employees and officials.

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Citing DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said the implementation of Rama’s suspension was subject to a Comelec order as it fell within the election season.

“According to Sec. Sarmiento, the suspension order against Cebu Mayor Rama and other officials has been transmitted by the OP to the DILG . DILG is awaiting guidance from the Comelec on the implementation of the order as it is covered by elections rules,” Coloma said.

The Office of the President ordered the six-month suspension of Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 councilors in relation to the allocation of the P20,000 calamity cash aid questioned by the Commission on Audit. TVJ