BAGUIO CITY — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Abra ordered the officials of Barangay Calaba of Bangued, Abra to assume their positions and continue exercising their respective functions while their suspension is being reviewed. 

In an order, the SP advised Calaba barangay captain Renato Brasuela, barangay kagawad Marjun S. Santiago, Carmelita Venus, Rosemel Viado and Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson Daryll Blanes to stay put on their positions.

The Board Members also ordered the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued and all other persons acting under their instructions to prevent the implementation of the Order of Suspension they issued on 31 July.

The Bangued SB ordered the suspension of the village officials for 90 days in connection with the controversial ordinance in February that sought to mete out “death” as a third offense penalty for illegally dumping garbage. 

Bangued town Mayor Mila A. Valera ordered the barangay officials to momentarily leave their posts for 90 days after the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued found them guilty of Grave Misconduct, Grave Abuse of Authority, Gross Neglect of Duty, Gross Dishonesty, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

In a ruling dated 18 June, the court granted the petition of Brasuela, Santiago, Viado, Valera, Venus and Blanes. The Calaba officials then filed a Petition for Certiorari with application of a Temporary Restraining Order and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction.