Negros Occ. Mayor Denies Suspension Claim

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Calatrava town Mayor Marilyn Era has dismissed as fake news reports claiming she was suspended by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental.

“I am not suspended. I am still here serving as mayor of Calatrava,” Era told reporters, emphasizing that the reports were untrue.

Era clarified that the SP ordered her to pay a fine equivalent to two months of her salary, amounting to PHP 250,000, in connection with a complaint filed by two doctor-consultants of the town.

The SP found her guilty of grave abuse of authority and gross negligence of duty based on the complaints filed by medical consultants Lewyn Torres and Kristine Ureta.

Era said she respects the SP’s decision and will pay the fine, noting she will not file an appeal or motion for reconsideration.

The SP, acting as a quasi-judicial body, decided the fine would compensate Torres and Ureta, in accordance with rules governing decisions by quasi-judicial bodies.

The complainants alleged that their contracts, set to expire on June 30, 2024, were prematurely terminated by Mayor Era.

Era denied the termination, explaining the doctors were not given work assignments for June but their contracts remained in effect until their expiration.

She met with Calatrava’s 48 barangay captains on Thursday to assure them that she remains the town’s chief executive.

“If anyone tells you I am suspended, don’t believe them. It’s fake news,” she told the local leaders.

Era, serving her second term as mayor and seeking reelection for a third term, believes the suspension rumors are politically motivated.

Her legal counsel, Atty. Ariel Malunes, questioned the SP’s decision to allocate her salary to the complainants instead of remitting it to the provincial treasury.

“This constitutes undue enrichment for the complainants,” Malunes said, noting each consultant’s professional fee was PHP 60,000, yet they are set to receive PHP 125,000 each.

Malunes argued that this sets a concerning precedent, as fines should be paid to the government rather than individuals.

He added that they are exploring the legal basis of the SP’s decision to allocate the fine directly to the complainants.

“This could set a dangerous precedent,” Malunes said, while expressing respect for the SP members.

Records showed Torres and Ureta were hired as consultants for the Calatrava Municipal Hospital for April 1 to June 30, 2024, under a memorandum of agreement with the municipal government.

The doctors claimed that a month before their contracts ended, they were informed they would no longer receive work schedules.

The complainants alleged they sought clarification from Mayor Era through a letter, which she reportedly did not respond to, prompting them to file a complaint with the SP.

Malunes reiterated that fines should go to the government and labeled the payment to the complainants as unjust enrichment.

Mayor Era has asked barangay leaders to help clarify the issue to residents, insisting that she was never suspended and remains fully committed to serving the town.