The Sandiganbayan has ordered the 90-day preventive suspension of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Romulo Festin, who is actively helping fishermen from his town attain justice after a Chinese ship rammed their boat. Festin was ordered suspended by the court's 3rd division over 3 graft cases in connection with the computerization of the town’s real property tax assessment, purchase of multi-cabs and release of salaries to private individuals without daily time records which were all filed in 2016. In a resolution promulgated on May 22, 2019, the anti-graft court noted that a suspension order is mandatory under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act to prevent an official from using his influence to his advantage in the course of court proceedings.

Mayor helping fishermen in China 'hit and run' suspended over graft raps. (2019, June 18). Daily Guardian, p. 12.