Four consecutive absences from Sangguniang Bayan (SB) sessions without approved leave are grounds for suspension or dismissal from office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial head said on Friday, October 13.
That is contained in Section 60 of the Local Government Code on disciplinary actions, Teodora Sumagaysay, DILG Negros Occidental provincial head, said.
However, because of the election ban no investigation and prevention suspension can be imposed, she said.
Sumagaysay said the DILG provincial office has not received a complaint or official referral against La Castellana Councilor Donato “Natnat” Dumaguit who was cited by the La Castellana SB for six unauthorized absences.
Dumaguit is facing complaints for large scale estafa before the Negros Occidental Prosecutor’s Office for alleged involvement in a police recruitment scam.
Actions against Dumaguit will depend on the La Castellana SB that has its own rules and procedures, Sumagaysay said.
They can lodge their complaint before the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the Office of the Ombudsman, she said.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said the La Castellana SB resolution declaring Dumaguit absent for six regular sessions and one special session without justification was submitted to his office.
They are studying the case and will give their legal opinion to La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Mangilimutan, he said.
As far as they know the disciplining authority for councilors is the Office of President, Nellas added.*