Infanta Mayor America suspended, VM Ruanto steps in as acting mayor

By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Filipina Grace America (Photo screengrab from Mayor Filipina Grace America video) INFANTA, Quezon - At the beg...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Mayor Filipina Grace America (Photo screengrab from Mayor Filipina Grace America video)

INFANTA, Quezon - At the beginning of this week, a political storm has engulfed Infanta as Mayor Filipina Grace America faces a 45-day suspension order. Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan issued the order, alleging America committed grave misconduct, dereliction of duty, and grave abuse of authority. The specific accusation centers on America issuing a business permit to a cockpit arena without the required legislative franchise.

America, however, is defying the suspension, claiming it is "premature" due to pending appeals and vowing to remain in office. This defiance has sparked confusion and disrupted municipal operations. Vice Mayor LA Ruanto has stepped in as acting mayor, a move supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).



The DILG clarified Ruanto's legal right to assume mayoral duties during America's suspension. This suspension is a preventive measure designed to prevent America from influencing the ongoing investigation. America, who survived an ambush in 2022, claims the charges are politically motivated and has called on the people of Infanta to be discerning and not believe "unverified news."

Mayor Filipina Grace America vows to fight for Infanta

In a video address on her official Facebook page on November 24, America, who survived an ambush two years ago, maintains her innocence and asserts that the suspension order is premature and invalid. She claims to have pending appeals with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and that the Provincial Council's decision violates her right to due process.

"This is a blatant attempt to sabotage my administration," Mayor America stated firmly in a video address on her official Facebook page on November 24. "They want to derail our progress and discredit my leadership. But I will not back down. I will continue to serve the people of Infanta."

The Mayor also challenged the legitimacy of a memorandum from Vice Mayor L.A. Ruanto demanding she vacate her office. Her legal counsel, argues that both the suspension order and the memorandum are procedurally defective and without legal basis. They contend that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan overstepped its bounds and failed to follow established protocols for imposing preventive suspensions.

Sources close to the Mayor hint that the timing of the suspension, so close to the 2025 elections, is no coincidence. They allege that political adversaries are exploiting the case to tarnish Mayor America's reputation and hinder her re-election bid.

This controversy has gripped Infanta, with residents divided in their opinions. Some stand with the Mayor, denouncing the suspension as unjust, while others believe she should temporarily step down while the case is under investigation.

Mayor America urged the citizens of Infanta to remain critical and discerning, cautioning them against unverified news and information from unreliable sources. She pledged to uphold the law and comply with any orders issued through proper legal channels, underscoring her commitment to transparency and accountability.

Details of the Case and Suspension Order

The suspension stems from Memorandum Order No. 427 series of 2024, issued by Governor Tan based on Sangguniang Panlalawigan Provincial Resolution No. 2024-295 dated November 18, 2024. This order pertains to Administrative Case No. 2024-04, filed by Infanta Councilors Mannie America, Sherwin Avellano, and Kirk Gurango.

These councilors allege that Mayor America should be held administratively liable under RA 7160 for issuing a business permit to Dinahican Cockpit Arena despite the absence of a legislative franchise, as required by law. Their complaint, dated September 5, 2024, specifically cites the lack of a franchise approved by the Sangguniang Bayan (SB). The core issue is the violation of local government regulations regarding the operation of businesses like cockpit arenas.

This suspension aims to ensure an impartial investigation by preventing potential interference from the mayor. Section 63 (b) of RA 7160 grants the governor the authority to impose such preventive suspensions on municipal officials. The DILG clarified that the Governor's authority in this matter is ministerial, meaning the Governor is obligated to implement the suspension once the Sanggunian determines it is necessary.

DILG Clarification and Vice Mayor Ruanto's Stance:

The events in Infanta highlight the importance of clear procedures and adherence to the rule of law in local governance. After America refused to follow the suspension order, Vice Mayor Ruanto proactively sought guidance from the DILG Region IV-A to clarify who holds the legal mandate to serve as acting mayor. The DILG, in response to Ruanto's request, detailed the legal basis for him to assume the role of acting mayor. They emphasized that the Local Government Code dictates that in cases of suspension, the vice mayor automatically takes over the position.

The DILG further clarified that America's suspension effectively creates a temporary vacancy in the mayoral office. During this period, America is prohibited from performing her duties as mayor and from receiving her salary. This measure is in place to prevent her from using her influence to potentially impede the investigation against her. The DILG stressed that the preventive suspension is not a form of punishment but a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

Ruanto, in response to the DILG's clarification, expressed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the decisions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Council) and the Governor. He aims to ensure the smooth functioning of the municipal government and serve the people of Infanta during this challenging time. He believes in the established processes for addressing such matters and is confident that the truth will prevail.

America's defiance of the suspension order raises concerns about a potential legal battle and continued disruption to local governance. While awaiting the outcome of her appeals, the focus shifts to the response of the provincial government and the DILG. The people of Infanta are caught in the middle of this political drama, hoping for a resolution that ensures stable and accountable governance.