Antique Vice Governor Requests DILG Guidance on Board Member Suspension

ANTIQUE — Vice Governor Edgar Denosta has reached out to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) seeking advice regarding the possible replacement of three ex-officio members of the Provincial Board, following their suspension by the Ombudsman.

According to Philippines News Agency, who serves as the presiding officer, they are awaiting formal guidance from DILG Antique on whether replacements can be appointed to achieve a quorum necessary for board operations. The suspensions, which include Board Members Egidio Elio, Rony Molina, Alfie Jay Niquia, Mayella Mae Ladislao, and Victor Condez, began on Monday. These actions were the result of accusations including oppression, grave misconduct, abuse of authority, and neglect of duty under Section 4 of Republic Act 6713, which sets ethical standards for public officials.

Also affected are the leaders of the Philippine Councilors League-Antique, Liga ng mga Barangay, and the Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan, all ex-officio members. An initial discussion with the DILG central office suggested that the vice presidents of the suspended members could potentially step in to fill these roles.

This change is crucial as it would allow the remaining board members, Karmila Rose Dimamay, Noel Alamis, Dante Beriong, Emmanuel Palacios Jr., and Pio Jessielio Sumande Sr., to convene and address pending legislative matters. Denosta expressed urgency in resuming regular sessions to discuss numerous resolutions and ordinances.

Meanwhile, the suspended officials are seeking to overturn the suspension, asserting that their actions in reducing three budget items from the PHP1.075 billion supplemental budget were legitimate exercises of their duties, aimed at ensuring fiscal responsibility in government spending projects.