October 24, 2023

Statement by DILG Undersecretary for External, Legal, and Legislative Affairs,

Atty. Juan Victor R. Llamas

I wish to clarify that there has been no delay with respect to the implementation of the stay order in favor of Mayor Charlotte Panal of Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur. The Mayor had claimed that there was undue delay with respect to the implementation of this order, which would allow her to return to her post after being suspended by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Sur.

On the contrary, the DILG received the stay order last Friday, October 20, 2023, and the same will be implemented today, October 23, 2023, by the DILG Legal Service. I assure the public that the DILG has a policy of zero tolerance for any irregularity pursuant to Secretary Benhur Abalos’ thrust for good governance.

Also, to address Mayor Panal’s claim that she had paid a DILG attorney for a favorable DILG legal opinion via a deposit slip dated October 13, 2022, I want to emphasize that the attorney named by the Mayor was no longer employed with the DILG as of May 16, 2021. Hence, he was in no position to influence the issuance of any legal opinion at the time he supposedly received payment. The DILG Legal Service has no connection, involvement, or knowledge of whatever arrangement the Mayor has with the said attorney.

To conclude, the DILG Legal Service continues to strictly adhere to its motto of “Matino, Mahusay at Maasahang Kagawaran.”

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Maintains-Timely-Implementation-of-Stay-Order-on-Suspension-of-Zamboanga-Mayor/NC-2023-1208