Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Harold Respicio will be investigated following a heated exchange with barangay officials during a Sangguniang Bayan session that went viral online, Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano said Wednesday.
In an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, Albano said some barangay captains are reportedly planning to file a complaint against Respicio over his alleged inappropriate conduct, which could constitute a betrayal of public trust or conduct unbecoming of a public official.
“May magco-complaint yata yung mga barangay captain so ang magiging ano ‘yun magkakaroon lang parang impeachment court doon sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa probinsya,” Albano said.
“Iimbestigahan ngayon nila Vice Mayor Respicio. Tinitingnan nila ngayon kung ano ‘yun may betrayal of public,” he added.
The governor's remarks came after a heated exchange erupted Monday during a regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan of Reina Mercedes, where Respicio questioned barangay officials over the use of ₱66 million in tobacco excise tax funds.
According to Albano, the complaint will first undergo an investigation before the evidence is presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for appropriate action.
Asked whether the allegations could lead to Respicio's suspension or dismissal from service, Albano said it would depend on the gravity of the alleged misconduct.
“Depende sa gravity, kung gaano kabulgar o gaano kasama ‘yung mga sinasabi niya, ‘yung akusasyon niya yung yung ano ba ‘yung pagiging unbecoming of a vice mayor,” Albano said.
Albano said the possible complaint would undergo an investigation by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which would determine whether Respicio committed misconduct and whether disciplinary action is warranted.
