By Nimfa Etsrellado Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso (Photo from her FB account) TAYABAS CITY, Quezon – The municipal mayor of Tayabas City...
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| Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso (Photo from her FB account) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon – The municipal mayor of Tayabas City has been abruptly suspended from office. The six-month suspension, effective December 18, 2024, comes directly from the Ombudsman, throwing the city's political future into disarray and raising questions about who will lead the city through the holiday season and beyond.
This unexpected decision blindsided many, with the Mayor Maria Lourdes "Lovely" Reynoso-Pontioso herself asserting that the charges against her are "fabricated" and politically motivated. While details surrounding the case remain confidential, this power vacuum has fueled speculation about the motives behind the suspension and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the city's future.
Adding to the intrigue, Reynoso-Pontioso is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this year, she faced both applause and backlash for her decision to temporarily halt in-person classes at all city schools due to extreme heat. As a staunch environmental advocate, she also recently spearheaded a memorandum of understanding with a local poultry farm to minimize its environmental impact.
These past actions highlight Reynoso-Pontioso's strong will and commitment to her own vision for Tayabas City, traits that were evident in her response to the suspension. In an official statement released yesterday, she maintained her innocence, denouncing the suspension as a "fabricated case" and a calculated attempt to undermine her leadership. "They are trying to prevent me from doing my job," she declared, "but they will not succeed."
Reynoso-Pontioso went on to emphasize her unwavering dedication to the people of Tayabas City. "This is not a punishment," she affirmed. "This is a challenge that I will overcome with the help of my constituents and my faith in God." She expressed confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail, stating, "I believe that in the end, the truth will come out."
Addressing the accusations directly, Reynoso-Pontioso maintained a defiant tone, stating, "This is just a fabricated case against us... They are using this to damage our reputation and to hinder our service to the people of Tayabas. But with your help, and with the truth on our side, we will prevail." She framed the suspension as a deliberate obstacle placed in her path by political adversaries seeking to disrupt her agenda.
Despite the suspension, Reynoso-Pontioso vowed to fight to clear her name and continue serving her constituents. She called upon her supporters to remain steadfast, assuring them that truth and justice would prevail. Reynoso-Pontioso emphasized that she would use this time to further connect with the community and strengthen her resolve, holding firm to the belief that this is merely a temporary setback.
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