San Fernando Mayor Antonio Canoy won’t likely serve the three-month suspension imposed by the Ombudsman in the Visayas.
Aiza Nogra, legal officer of the Department of Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas (DILG-7), said they already informed the anti-graft office that they won’t implement the suspension order against Canoy.
“That ruling is covered by the Aguinaldo Doctrine. We cannot implement that decision in light of his reelection to office,” Nogra said in a text message.
Under the Aguinaldo Doctrine, a re-elected public official is spared the administrative liability for misconduct done during his prior term. In effect, Canoy’s reelection in 2013 condones his past lapses.
In a decision dated June 28, 2013, graft investigation and prosecution officer Corazon Najara found Canoy and municipal engineer Simeon Lauronal liable of simple misconduct over the demolition of the house of Guillerma Bargasa on Oct. 11, 2011.
Bargasa claimed that the mayor demolished her house without securing any authority from the municipal council or court.