MALACAÑANG has ordered the suspension of Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib for 60 days on charges of grave abuse of authority and oppression.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced the suspension of Jubahib, who said he would not step down because the order supposedly violated his right to due process.
“We, at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, are addressing the recent decision to implement a preventive suspension against Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib,” said Abalos, adding that the suspension order was issued on April 8 by the Office of the President signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Abalos said the suspension stemmed from an administrative complaint lodged against Jubahib by “various parties” regarding his “alleged misuse of authority, potential oppression, and the utilization of government funds to advance the interests of a private company.”
“We recognize the challenges faced by our officers during the implementation of this suspension order, and we commend their professionalism and dedication in upholding the law amidst any resistance encountered,” said Abalos.
In the suspension order, Bersamin said his office received the affidavit-complaint, dated November 24, 2022, filed by Board Member Orly Amit against Jubahib for grave abuse of authority and oppression.
It said Jubahib made a “verified answer” to the complaint on October 9, 2023.
“After a preliminary evaluation and consideration of the parties’ allegations and evidence, this Office finds strong evidence of guilt against Gov. Jubahib,” the order read.
“Likewise, given the gravity of the offense charged, there is a great probability that his continuance in office could influence the witnesses or pose a threat to the safety and integrity of the records and other evidence,” the order added.
It said Jubahib is placed on preventive suspension for 60 days “effective immediately upon receipt of this order.”
