CARMEN Mayor Conchita “Che” Toribio-Delos Reyes reported back to work on Wednesday, Oct. 2 after a four-month suspension due to the Chocolate Hills controversies.
It is also her birthday. But she was not able to file her certificate of candidacy for her reelection as planned for lack of Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) from Manila.
In a 25-page consolidated order signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on September 30, the anti-graft body lifted the preventive suspension against Delos Reyes and other 31 local officials.
Included in the lifting of their suspension for 6 months are the Carmen barangay chairmen and reportedly Sagbayan Mayor Junjun Suarez.
Sagbayan Peak resort was reportedly issued a business/mayor’s permit but it has yet to secure the required Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC).
Delos Reyes has previously insisted that Captain’s Peak was not in Carmen. Officials have no control over ECC, building construction and business operations of other towns, she added.
It will be recalled that Ombudsman office suspended 69 officials, including Delos Reyes for six months without pay for The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort that was built inside the Chocolate Hills which is a protected area in the town of Sagbayan.
But the other suspended including Gov. Aris Aumentado and other mayors returned on July 31.
“To God be the glory. In my entire life, I have God with me. I never expect that the lifting came in time of my birthday. Thank God for all the blessings,” Delos Reyes told the crowd infront of the municipal hall to greet her.
She added, “The purpose of all the blessings. It will flow to all the people of Carmen.”
He was accompanied by her husband Kiko and children, Bohol Island News reported. (rvo)
