Malacañang confirmed the suspension of Abra Vice Governor Maria Jocelyn Valera-Bernos for her actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the order comes in response to Valera-Bernos’ decision to lock down a hospital in Abra while she was serving as the provincial governor.
The lockdown, which occurred at the height of the pandemic, has been 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 a statement on August 22, Valera-Bernos defended her decision to impose restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, condemning the suspension imposed on her.
She explained her actions were solely intended to protect the people of Abra amid the escalating health crisis.
“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.
According to her, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint on May 4, 2024, ruling that Valera-Bernos acted in good faith and within her duties as a public servant during a state of calamity.
“On May 4, 2022, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint and ruled that my actions were done in good faith and within the bounds of my duty as a public servant during a state of calamity,” she explained.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Palace confirms order to suspend Abra vice governor”
