Davao del Norte guv’s suspension order followed due process – OP

Banners showing support for suspended Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib are seen outside the provincial capitol premises in Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City on Thursday, April 12, 2024, as officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government implemented the 60-day preventive suspension order against him. | PHOTO: Ruel Dagsangan

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the President (OP) defended its decision to impose a 60-day preventive suspension on Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib.

The OP said due process was followed and that its decision was based on “a thorough assessment of the administrative complaint filed by Board Member Orly Amit (BM Amit) against Gov. Jubahib.”

“The OP found that the complaint sufficiently alleged grave abuse of authority and oppression on the part of Gov. Jubahib in connection with the recall of BM Amit’s service vehicle without legal basis,” it said in a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday.

“The issuance of the preventive suspension did not violate Gov. Jubahib’s right to due process,” it added.

READ: Palace suspends Davao del Norte gov for 60 days

“Firstly, this office ordered the respondent’s suspension to prevent any undue interference in the conduct of the investigation. And, secondly, the preventive suspension of Gov. Jubahib was ordered only after the issues were joined in accordance with Section 63 (a) of Republic Act No. 7160 and Sections 1 and 4, Rule 6 of Administrative Order No. 23 series of 1992,” the OP also said.

READ: Suspended Davao del Norte gov refuses to step down

OP’s suspension order against Jubahib was dated April 8, 2024, and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. The Department of the Interior and Local Government served the order to the governor on Thursday morning (April 11).

However, Jubahib vowed to defy the order, calling it “unjustified” and “a power trip” by his political enemies.