Aklan SP wants to hear side of New Washington mayor

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

MAYOR EDGAR PERALTA

The mayor of New Washington, Aklan will be asked by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan to answer the allegations filed by Engr. Jonathan Salvador for “abuse of authority.” 

SP member Plaridel Morania said they entertained the motion for reconsideration of SP member Rodson Mayor to discontinue the investigation of the complaint, but was eventually denied due to lack of basis.

“We don’t like to pre-empt the investigation, we want to hear from Mayor Edgar Peralta his side,” he added.

The investigating committee found the complaint “sufficient in form and substance” but Morania did not disclose the merits of the case.

“I assured the public that I don’t have the intention to delay the investigation of this case. The mayor of New Washington will be accorded the opportunity to be heard,” Morania said.

By next week, Mayor Peralta will be officially directed by the Aklan SP to answer the complaint within 15 days from receipt of the notice.

“If there is no evidence against Mayor Peralta, we have to no right to suspend the mayor,” said Morania, also the investigating committee chairman. 

On the alleged forum shopping, Morania said “they will continue to exercise jurisdiction over the complaint, although, the Aklan SP is a lesser tribunal compared to the Office of the Ombudsman.”

 

Under Republic Act. No. 7160 or the Local Government Code, the local legislative council has disciplinary authority over any elected municipal or barangay official.