ILOILO CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a six-month preventive suspension for Mayor Ernesto Tajanlangit III of Tobias Fornier town in Antique.The suspension without pay, effective September 19, stems from charges filed by Vice Mayor Jose Maria Fornier against the mayor in June.During Tajanlangit's suspension, Fornier will serve as acting mayor, while Sangguniang Bayan member Rene Sandig Magdaog will be the acting vice mayor.Tajanlangit was suspended over allegations of abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official, grave misconduct, and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.In his complaint, Fornier accused Tajanlangit of inflicting physical injuries after an altercation that occurred between the two on April 29.Fornier said the mayor allegedly assaulted him over a dispute involving food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development intended for residents affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
