By Vhioly Rosatazo
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — A member of the Bulacan Sangguniang Panlalawigan has been suspended for 30 days without pay after the provincial board found him liable for violating its ethical standards following a complaint filed by a fellow board member.
During its regular session on July 16, the Bulacan Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to suspend Board Member Efren Bartolome Jr. for disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member of the provincial legislature.
The administrative complaint arose from an incident during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s team-building activity and Christmas party, where Board Member Romina Fermin alleged that Bartolome touched and squeezed her waist and the area near her buttocks without her consent.
Fermin formally lodged her complaint on May 21, prompting an investigation by the ethics committee.
In his written response submitted on June 9, Bartolome denied the allegations, maintaining that the complaint was fabricated and asserting that he committed no misconduct.
Aside from the 30-day suspension without regular compensation, the provincial board directed Bartolome to observe the highest standards of gender sensitivity, professionalism, and personal restraint in his interactions with fellow officials and employees of the Bulacan provincial government.
The resolution reflects the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s enforcement of its ethical rules governing the conduct of elected provincial officials.
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