Davao del Sur town vice mayor suspended for neglect of duty

The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday  ordered the six-month suspension of Bansalan town, Davao del Sur Vice Mayor Edwin Reyes for neglect of duty.

The case stemmed from Reyes’ refusal to issue the monetary claims of former town utility worker Junelan Mantica, who died in 2014.

Reyes, who was mayor when he committed the offense, would also face charges for violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct  and Ethical Standards of Government Officials and Employees.

When he was still mayor, Reyes was also suspended for 90 days due to a graft charge.

READ: Bansalan mayor serves suspension for graft charge

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) earlier ruled that the removal from the service of Mantica, was not lawful, and has ordered Reyes to pay Mantica’s backwages to his family.

The vice mayor was also faulted for not answering the letter appealing for the prompt implementation of the CSC decision.

Under the R. A. 6713, public officials are required to respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public, and it must contain the action taken on the request within 15 days. IDL