GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The South Cotabato Provincial Board suspended two municipal mayors and their respective Sangguniang Bayan members on Monday, 6 January, citing cases of dishonesty and abuse of authority.

The decision highlights the provincial government’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance.

T’boli town Mayor Keo Dale Tuan, along with Sangguniang Bayan members led by Vice Mayor Ronnie dela Peña, faces a 180-day suspension. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee of the Whole unanimously found them guilty of dishonesty and abuse of authority, based on a complaint filed by a private individual, Evelyn Gregorio.

South Cotabato Vice Governor Arthur Pingoy read the dispositive portion of the ruling, stating:

“Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, for the offense of dishonesty, this Body finds Mayor Keo Dale Tuan, Vice Mayor Ronnie dela Peña, SB Members Kirk Tuan, and Mansueto dela Peña guilty and hereby imposes upon each of them the penalty of suspension from office for a period of 90 days…”

In addition to dishonesty, the officials were also found guilty of abuse of authority, adding another 90 days to their suspension. The total suspension period amounts to 180 days.

The complaint, docketed as SP Administrative Case 2024-01, stemmed from alleged dishonesty related to tax liabilities involving the family-owned Crown Jewel Hotel. Gregorio’s complaint highlighted discrepancies identified in a tax delinquency notice issued by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.

Similarly, Mayor Evangeline Palencia of Banga town, along with several municipal officials, received suspensions over culpable violations of the Constitution and abuse of authority. This was based on a complaint filed by Dra. Lolita P. Mendoza, president of JY Archers Games and Entertainment Corporation.

The case, docketed as SP Administrative Case 2024-02, named Mayor Palencia, Vice Mayor Gemma Lloren and Sangguniang Bayan members Jennifer Plana, Alex Garcia, Romeo Palua, Mario Madero, Arman Palomar, Fermin Dorego, Bobby Delalamon, Ian George Giselan and Joey Malayon as respondents.

Pingoy detailed the decision:

“Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, for the offense of culpable violation of the Constitution, this Body finds Mayor Evangeline Palencia guilty and imposes upon her the penalty of suspension from office for a period of 60 days…”

Sangguniang Bayan members were similarly found guilty and given the same 60-day suspension. Additionally, the officials were ordered to serve an extended suspension totaling 120 days for abuse of authority.

Vice Mayor Gemma Lloren, however, was exonerated of all charges.

These rulings mark a significant moment for South Cotabato’s governance. Both cases underline the provincial government’s determination to uphold accountability, particularly among elected officials. The suspensions also signal the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s responsiveness to complaints from private citizens and businesses.