DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte has announced to his constituents that he cannot serve officially for the next 30 days due to a suspension order issued by the Office of the President on June 4, 2024. His second suspension stems from his involvement in a motorcade rally advocating for improved electrical services.
In a heartfelt address delivered in the local vernacular, Governor Jubahib said, “Sorry, I cannot serve you officially. I am again suspended.” He explained that the suspension was linked to his participation in the rally, which sought to highlight the ongoing issues with the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NorDECO) and push for a new, more reliable power distributor for Davao del Norte.
“The suspension, effective immediately, follows my involvement in a motorcade rally aimed at demanding better electrical services and finding a new power provider for our province,” Jubahib stated.
Governor Jubahib reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people of Davao del Norte. He pointed out the severe impact of NorDECO’s unreliable service and frequent outages on the province’s daily life and economic growth, especially in the Island Garden City of Samal.
“My participation in the rally was driven by a genuine concern for our community’s need for a stable and dependable power supply,” Jubahib said. He admitted to encouraging provincial government employees to join the motorcade and authorizing the use of government vehicles for the event, arguing that these actions were part of his responsibilities as Governor.
Despite the suspension, Governor Jubahib plans to continue advocating for the resolution of Davao del Norte’s power issues. He stressed that his efforts are in the community’s best interest and a legitimate exercise of his duties as Governor.
“I remain confident that addressing these power supply challenges is vital for our community and aligns with my responsibilities as your Governor,” he affirmed.
Governor Jubahib called for unity and calm among the residents of Davao del Norte during his suspension. He reassured them of his unwavering commitment to their welfare and the province’s ongoing progress. “Together, we will continue to strive for progress and improvement in Davao del Norte,” he concluded.
This suspension underscores the persistent challenges with Davao del Norte’s electrical infrastructure and the local government’s ongoing efforts to secure more reliable services.