Guagua Mayor Dante Torres’ two suspensions

Guagua Mayor Dante Torres receives a warm welcome from special kids of Betis during a visit to the local chief executive at his office.

-Chris Navarro

Guagua Mayor Dante Torres was meted a three-month suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty early in the year.

Docketed under L-A-16-0136 the order of suspension of Torres was served by the Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Office. The decision stated that Torres has been found administratively liable for simple misconduct, or violation of Article 171 (4) of Revised Penal Code, and was meted the medium penalty of suspension from office for a period of three months.

Torres reported back to work in March after the first suspension, but another complainant was filed before the Ombudsman for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty after Torres signed a marriage certificate, which he did not allegedly officiate.

After serving his second suspension for another month and a day over grave misconduct Torres reported back to office on July 3. With the second suspension served, Torres said he was eager to return to office as many of the projects for Guagua folks have been put on hold.

Sun.Star Pampanga published Torres’ call on both supporters and opponents in government to unite and work for the common good of the people. He said political mudslinging hinders the town’s development and pr ogr ess.

As for his detractors, Torres said that he is ready to meet them in court in case they file anymore complaints.