The Office of the Ombudsman has lifted the suspension of several officials, including Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, according to reports released on Friday.
The suspension, initially set to last until November, has been cut short to just over two months.
The order lifting the suspension was issued on August 1, 2024, reports confirm.
Sources reveal that the order was signed by Executive Assistant Maria Cecila Cerdeña.
In addition to Governor Aumentado, other officials whose suspensions have been lifted include:
– Batuan Mayor Antonino Jumawid
– Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin-Pace
– Clarin Mayor Eugeniano Ibarra
– Valencia Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite
– Sierra-Bullones Mayor Michael Doria
– Sierra-Bullones Vice Mayor Simplicio Maestrado Jr.
– Bilar Mayor Norman Palacio
– Provincial Planning and Development Officer John Titus Vistal
– Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Director Paquito Melicor
A total of 31 out of the original 69 suspended officials have been ordered to return to their respective positions.
Governor Aumentado told media that his legal team in Manila has received notice of the lifted suspension, although he has not yet personally received a copy of the order.
He is now awaiting instructions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government regarding his return to work as Bohol’s governor.
The lifting of the suspension comes two months ahead of the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for next year’s elections.
Meanwhile, the suspension order remains in effect for Carmen Mayor Conchita de los Reyes and Sagbayan Mayor Restituto Suarez III, according to Governor Aumentado.
Aumentado expressed his belief that the Ombudsman has thoroughly reviewed the issue and may have found that some suspended officials had little or no involvement in the Captain’s Peak incident.