By Lane Afable, News Editor
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the six-month preventive suspension of Catanduanes Vice Governor Robert Fernandez and 11 members of the provincial board over allegations of grave misconduct, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Suspended along with Fernandez under the May 22 order signed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla were the following board members:
Josevan Balidoy
Giovanni Balmadrid
Jose Romeo Francisco
Edwin Tanael
Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr.
Arnel Turado
Dean Robert Vergara
Santos Zafe
Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President Alvin Rodriguez
Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation President Tito Villamor
Philippine Councilors’ League Provincial President Rafael Zuniega
Only board members Fred Gianan and Xyrell Albaniel were not included in the suspension order. Gianan is expected to serve as acting vice governor.
Governor’s allegations
The preventive suspension order stemmed from a complaint filed by Governor Patrick Azanza on December 8, 2025, accusing the officials of several violations, including their handling of a resolution on aid for survivors of Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong).
According to the complaint, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved P30.5 million worth of in-kind assistance for typhoon victims. The provincial board later passed a separate resolution seeking to provide direct cash aid instead.
Azanza vetoed the measure, saying cash assistance was not allowed under existing laws and guidelines, but the provincial board overrode the veto.
The complaint also accused the provincial board of contradicting itself after it rejected Azanza’s appointees – Provincial Engineer Jose Rafael Manoguid, Provincial Human Resource Officer Alissa Anne Sanchez and Provincial General Services Officer Senen Razal – citing failure to meet minimum qualifications.
The Ombudsman noted, however, that the three nominees were ranked first among all candidates based on the evaluation of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, which the respondents themselves created.
The order also cited allegations that the provincial board delayed granting authority for Azanza to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the distribution of construction materials to typhoon victims.
Despite certification from the department that the materials had already been delivered, the provincial board allegedly withheld approval and insisted on conducting its own inspection.
Azanza also complained about the alleged undue delay in the approval of the provincial government’s 2026 budget despite repeated appeals from the executive branch. He alleged that his appeal was ignored by the provincial board which prioritized other matters, in violation of the Local Government Code.
‘Persona non grata’
After Azanza filed the complaint, the provincial board declared him persona non grata, accusing him of defying its resolutions, disrespecting a co-equal branch of local government and abusing his authority.
