By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Office of the President (OP) issued on Thursday, April 11, a 60-day preventive suspension for Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib.
In an order dated April 8, 2024, authorized by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Jubahib was instructed to vacate his position by Thursday morning.
The order came after Board Member Orly Amit filed a complaint on November 24, 2022, accusing the governor of abusing authority and oppression.
In a video statement the same day, the governor refused to step down from his post as the suspension order violated his right to due process.
“The preventive suspension is unjust since I was not invited to face any trial or even before the Office of the President,” Jubahib said in a local dialect.
Jubahib’s office did not directly receive the suspension notice. It was posted on a wall within the provincial capitol building.
According to the order, the OP finds strong evidence of guilt against the governor after a preliminary evaluation and consideration of the parties’ allegations and evidence.
“Given the gravity of the offense charged, there is a great probability that his continuance in office can influence witnesses or threaten the safety and integrity of the records,” the order said.
The order was also copied to the office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Abalos said in a statement that they are addressing the order from the OP to suspend Jubahib for misuse of authority, oppression, and using government funds for a private company’s benefit.
“We recognized the challenges faced by our officers during the implementation of the suspension order,” the DILG statement said.
The DILG said that its office commends professionalism and dedication in upholding the law amidst any resistance encountered.