Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte to serve 90-day suspension

Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte has informed the Sandiganbayan that he will comply with its 90-day suspension order  in connection with his graft case on alleged anomalous security service contract he entered into as governor.

Villafuerte furnished a copy of his letter to House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the anti-graft court's Fourth Division on February 11.

In the letter, Villafuerte said he is voluntarily submitting himself to the preventive suspension meted against him by the Sandiganbayan in its January 30 resolution.

"While I firmly believe that only the House of Representatives has the authority to discipline its members, I would like to inform your good office that I am nonetheless voluntarily submitting to the said preventive suspension for a period of 90 days," Villafuerte said.

The lawmaker said his suspension took effect on February 11, Monday, and lasts until May 12, 2019. He, nonetheless, said he will appeal the resolution of the Sandiganbayan.

Villafuerte also expressed confidence the court will clear him of the graft charge despite the suspension order.

"Lest it be misconstrued, however, this voluntary submission is in no way an admission of fault, liability or guilt. I remain confident that all the charges against me will be proven to be unwarranted," he said.

From July 2008 to December 2009, Villafuerte and his co-accused allegedly acted with "manifest partiality, evident bad faith, and/or gross inexcusable negligence" when they gave unwarranted benefits to Tigon Security Investigation and General Services Inc.

As head of procurement, Villafuerte entered into a contract with Tigon Security and approved the disbursement vouchers for the payment despite the lack of a public bidding.

Villafuerte had said the suspension is unjustified for he is no longer the governor of Camarines Sur, warning the suspension would be a disservice to his constituents.

He also likened the suspension as a penalty as he still has the right to seek other remedies before the Supreme Court.

The Sandiganbayan, however, said the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act deems it mandatory to order the suspension of Villafuerte, or any other government official facing criminal prosecution.

The Sandiganbayan said his position now as congressman is also immaterial to the case and directed the office of Arroyo to implement the order.

"The duty of the court to issue a suspension order is ministerial, and the court neither has the discretion nor the duty to determine whether preventive suspension is necessary to stop the accused from using his office to frustrate his prosecution or to commit other acts of malfeasance," it said. —LDF, GMA News