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Advocates Philippines
Ombudsman Suspends Catanduanes Vice Gov, 11 Board Members
Photo credit: OMBUDSMAN
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of Catanduanes Vice Governor Robert Fernandez along with 11 members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan over alleged irregularities involving the province’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon “Uwan” in 2025.
The suspension, signed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla in an order dated May 22, takes effect immediately and will last for up to six months without pay while the administrative case is being investigated.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza, who accused the provincial board officials of improperly revising the proposed allocation of the province’s P30.5 million QRF.
According to the complaint, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) originally proposed using the emergency funds for relief goods and other disaster response efforts. However, the respondents allegedly moved to redirect more than P26 million toward cash assistance for residents affected by the typhoon.
Governor Azanza opposed the move and vetoed the ordinance, arguing that the DBM-DILG-NDRRMC Joint Circular 2013-1 does not list cash assistance as part of the allowable immediate response activities under the QRF.
Azanza also claimed that the actions of the provincial board delayed the release and use of the emergency funds, affecting the delivery of assistance to more than 39,000 families impacted by the typhoon.
Aside from the QRF issue, the complaint also cited other actions allegedly committed by the respondents, including delaying approval for a proposed Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for the provision of construction materials to typhoon victims.
The respondents were likewise accused of causing delays in the approval of the province’s 2026 budget and passing a resolution in January declaring Governor Azanza persona non grata in Catanduanes.
Included in the suspension order are Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Josevan Balidoy, Giovanni Balmadrid, Jose Romeo Francisco, Alvin Rodriguez, Edwin Tanael, Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr., Arnel Turado, Dean Roberto Vergara, Tito Villamor, Santos Zafe, and Rafael Zuniega.
In the order, the Ombudsman said there is “strong evidence showing their guilt” for the administrative charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The order further stated that the suspension was necessary because “their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them.”
Moreover, the Ombudsman emphasized the need “to preserve the documents and evidence pertaining to this case which they may have control and custody” and to prevent “further commission of malfeasance and/or misfeasance in office.”
The administrative proceedings against the suspended officials are still ongoing.
The suspension, signed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla in an order dated May 22, takes effect immediately and will last for up to six months without pay while the administrative case is being investigated.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza, who accused the provincial board officials of improperly revising the proposed allocation of the province’s P30.5 million QRF.
According to the complaint, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) originally proposed using the emergency funds for relief goods and other disaster response efforts. However, the respondents allegedly moved to redirect more than P26 million toward cash assistance for residents affected by the typhoon.
Governor Azanza opposed the move and vetoed the ordinance, arguing that the DBM-DILG-NDRRMC Joint Circular 2013-1 does not list cash assistance as part of the allowable immediate response activities under the QRF.
Azanza also claimed that the actions of the provincial board delayed the release and use of the emergency funds, affecting the delivery of assistance to more than 39,000 families impacted by the typhoon.
Aside from the QRF issue, the complaint also cited other actions allegedly committed by the respondents, including delaying approval for a proposed Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for the provision of construction materials to typhoon victims.
The respondents were likewise accused of causing delays in the approval of the province’s 2026 budget and passing a resolution in January declaring Governor Azanza persona non grata in Catanduanes.
Included in the suspension order are Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Josevan Balidoy, Giovanni Balmadrid, Jose Romeo Francisco, Alvin Rodriguez, Edwin Tanael, Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr., Arnel Turado, Dean Roberto Vergara, Tito Villamor, Santos Zafe, and Rafael Zuniega.
In the order, the Ombudsman said there is “strong evidence showing their guilt” for the administrative charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The order further stated that the suspension was necessary because “their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them.”
Moreover, the Ombudsman emphasized the need “to preserve the documents and evidence pertaining to this case which they may have control and custody” and to prevent “further commission of malfeasance and/or misfeasance in office.”
The administrative proceedings against the suspended officials are still ongoing.
May 29, 2026
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