DAVAO CITY ––Former president Rodrigo Duterte came to the rescue of Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Juhabib who was ordered suspended for 60 days by the Office of the President, saying the Palace abused its power and due process was not followed.
The order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was docketed as OP-DC Case No. 22-L-100 dated April 8, placing Jubahib under 60-day suspension starting April 11.
Addressing himself to President Ferdinand marcos, Duterte said “Mr. President, hindi mo na sinusunod ang demokrasya. You are veering toward a more authoritarian leader , Tinanggal mo ang governor ng North Davao na walang rason, walang due process of law.”
Duterte described Jubahib as “a victim of an authoritarian, oppressive government.”
Jubahib’s suspension stemmed from the complaint filed by Board Member Orly Amit against the governor for grave abuse of authority and oppression in connection with the recall of a government-issued vehicle in November 202
But Jubahib in an interview with reporters said Amit was issued two government vehicles under the Governor’s office. One was recalled and was used by the provincial engineering office for an urgent task “But we returned the vehicle to him after a month and he is still using the vehicle until now.”
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos in a now-deleted statement on the official Facebook Page of the agency stated that “Governor Jubahib has been suspended for a period of 60 days by the Office of the President, as directed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. This action follows the lodging of an administrative complaint against him by various parties, which raises concerns regarding the alleged misuse of authority, potential oppression, and the utilization of government funds to advance the interests of a private company.”
Jubahib believed that Secretary Abalos was citing yet another suspension case against him because his statement was different from the preventive suspension case in question.
On Thursday morning, over 200 police personnel assembled at the provincial complex to secure the Department of Interior and Local Government acting regional director Abdullah Matalam, to serve the suspension order. However, supporters of Jubahib along with the Mayors from Panabo City, Kapalong, Talaingon, San Isidro, and New Corella, and Vice Mayor of Island Garden City of Samal and the Vice Mayor of Asuncion town blocked the gate of the provincial capitol.
Matalam using masking tape, posted the suspension order out the gate of the capitol compound and immediately proceeded to Tagum City Hall where Vice Mayor De Carlo Uy was waiting at the office of his father Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy and immediately installed him to office.
Duterte said the Palace officials forgot that Jubahib was elected by the people of Davao del Norte and he was not even accorded due process. Mr. President, Governor Jubahib is elected by the people. You respect the will of the people of Davao del Norte! You are violating his right to due process of law. You are veering dangerously to being an authoritarian leader. Hindi ko nagustuhan yung style mo, Mr. President,” said Duterte.
Duterte pointed out that the preventive suspension of Jubahib is inspired by the political agenda of Secretary Anton Lagdameo and his allies, who want to control the power in Davao del Norte because they wanted to return to the post to control the business in said province.
The act of Abalos, according to Duterte “Duterte was also surprised by the decision of DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos because according to Duterte “It is no longer following the law.”
Duterte urged Jubahib to file a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) before the Supreme Court as he is willing to provide lawyers for the Governor.
After the press conference, Duterte personally called Jubahib over the phone and assured him “I will help you, your right is being abused, let us bring this matter to the Supreme Court.”
Duterte also promised to appear in the Peace Rally on Sunday in Davao del Norte.
