DILG warns erring elected local execs

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned that erring local elected officials can be dismissed or suspended from office through a court order.

- By CHITO CHAVEZ

Pursuant to Section 60 of the Local Government Code of 1991, the DILG explained that actions unbecoming of a public official may warrant disciplinary sanctions and may be ordered by the court.

The DILG noted that among such infractions include disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines, violation [culpable violation] of the Trust of Law [Constitution]; lying, tyranny, mismanagement of office, excessive negligence [gross negligence], or neglect of duty [dereliction of duty]; any offense involving moral turpitude or offense that can be punished by at least a prison mayor; excess of power; unauthorized absence for 15 consecutive working days, except in the case of members of the city council, town council and barangay council; having an application to obtain, citizenship of, or residence in another country; or status as an immigrant of another country and other grounds that may be provided for in the Local Government Code of 1991 and other pertinent laws.