Malacañang has confirmed the suspension of Abra Vice Governor Maria Jocelyn Valera-Bernos for her decision to lock down a hospital in Abra while she was serving as the province’s governor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the order comes in response to Valera-Bernos’ lockdown, which occurred at the height of the pandemic and was met with criticism for allegedly impeding access to medical services in the province.
The Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs (DESLA) imposed the decision to suspend Valera-Bernos after finding her guilty of oppression and abuse of authority under the Local Government Code and conduct unbecoming of a public official under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The 18-month suspension followed a December 2020 complaint from Dr. Voltaire L. Seares, the hospital’s medical director, accusing Valera-Bernos, then Abra governor, of locking down the hospital during the pandemic.
In an August 22 statement, Valera-Bernos defended her decision to impose restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, condemning the suspension imposed on her.
“I was the governor of the province at that time when Seares Hospital filed a complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman against me and other provincial officials for a decision I made for the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of all Abreños from the threats of COVID-19,” Valera-Bernos said.
“It was never aimed to target any specific hospital, but a necessary and immediate action to mitigate the probable spread of the virus when at that time no known control and vaccine were available,” she added.
Be the first to comment