‘No politics behind village chief’s suspension’

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — There is no politics behind the 6-month suspension of punong barangay Einstein Okpura of Brgy. Inzo here.

This was the statement of Roxas City Councilor Albert Gregory Potato, committee on good governance chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, saying their decision against Okpura was based on records and evidence.

“We gave him (Okpura) a chance to defend himself but he waived his rights to get a lawyer,” Potato said.

Potato added that Okpura failed to submit position papers, including judicial affidavits of his witnesses, the reason why all the evidence of the complainant against him became uncontroverted.

He stressed that a 3-month suspension was meted

on each administrative charge against the village chief – grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

“Hoping that this will serve as a lesson for public officials not to take for granted the law as they should be responsible public servants,” he said.

Okpura, on the other hand, said he has accepted the verdict handed down by “intelligent members” of the Sanggunian Panlungsod and he will no longer appeal the decision.

Okpura was suspended for sneaking out a locally stranded individual (LSI) from a quarantine facility.

But the village chief said his action was “a call for leadership” and for the sake of general welfare.

He claimed that his punishment was “a harsh verdict for a correct action.”

He assured the people of Brgy. Inzo that he will continue to serve them while serving his suspension.

Okpura added that he will cooperate during the transition of power to the first barangay kagawad by turning over all documents.