THERE was a tug-of-war in far-away Davao del Norte over the weekend, involving key characters in the opposing camps of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte, who used to be friendly allies during the campaign two years ago. They are now engaged in a fractious feud that is getting more serious by the day.
Duterte and his now-political ally in Mindanao, former speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, held a joint press conference in Davao to show their support to Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib who was unceremoniously meted a 60-day suspension by the Office of the President because of administrative complaints against him.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the suspension order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin followed the lodging of complaints against the governor for alleged “misuse of authority, potential oppression, and the utilization of government funds to advance the interests of a private company.”
The complaints were filed by a provincial board member several months ago, but it is only last week that the DILG and the Executive Secretary saw the need to hurriedly suspend Jubahib as his presence in the Kapitolyo might enable him to twist the facts, hide some documents, and get witnesses that could testify in his favor.
‘This boils down to a situation where the pot is calling the kettle black, and clearly calls for the intervention of the judicial branch of government to resolve.’
Jubahib, in a statement, said the suspension was “pure political harassment” and vowed not to step down. During the service of the order, Jubahib’s supporters reportedly barricaded the gates of the provincial capitol. Scenes of local officials’ defiance against orders from the national government, with their constituents massing around the power center to show their unconditional support, have returned to our political landscape.
The governor explained that the affidavit-complaint for “grave abuse of authority and oppression” was filed by a board member of the province but he was not given the chance to answer the allegations before the suspension came, which is a constitutional right of every citizen.
Jubahib said he could have earned the ire of some officials for exposing the “ayuda scam” linked to some of his political opponents. He also did not support – and in fact, fought – the people’s initiative signature campaign which was vigorously pushed by people close to House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He was also pushing to end the franchise of an electric utility company to give his constituents efficient and reliable energy.
The Office of the President, manned by no less than a former chief justice, Lucas Bersamin, has legal arguments to back up its suspension order, and Jubahib has no recourse but to use the remedies given to him by law. Physical mobilization of supporters and chaotic defiance have no place in governance.
The Davao del Norte problem was exacerbated when Duterte and Alvarez accused the Marcos administration, particularly Secretary Anton Lagdameo, of pressuring Jubahib to cancel the huge anti-Marcos rally scheduled in Maisug, Davao del Norte set for April 14. Lagdameo is the special assistant to the President. When the governor refused, the Palace’s terse answer was the release of his suspension order. This was categorically alleged by former President Duterte and former Speaker Alvarez in their press conference, hitting the reprisal and turning the tables on the government.
Governor Jubahib has urged his supporters to “fight the harassment, injustice, and power tripping perpetrated by the people who are greedy for power” while Malacañang insists that the charges of grave abuse of authority and oppression against him hold water. This boils down to a situation where the pot is calling the kettle black, and clearly calls for the intervention of the judicial branch of government to resolve.