ACTING as a quasi judicial body, the provincial board of Misamis Oriental found a councilor in Gitagum town administratively in simple neglect of duty and imposed a three-month suspension upon him.
The catch though: expelled Gitagum Councilor Julianne Andrew Mugot is already on his sixth month after being booted out of office.
Thus at the same time, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also rendered a resolution for his reinstatement in all the positions he held prior to being removed last November 20, 2025.
Mugot was a councilor in his capacity as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation president in the town representing barangay Poblacion.
The provincial board’s resolution reinstated him in all three positions.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Louie Jay Ban Jarales – the quasi judicial body presider – told media in an interview after their session April 22 that they will forward their resolution to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for enforcement.
In November last year, the municipal council of Gitagum expelled their own colleague after finding him culpable of gross neglect of duty and abuse of authority.
This, after Poblacion SK member Alysa Clapano complained that Mugot allegedly failed to submit the annual youth investment plan of their barangay for 2025 resulting in a delay in their honoraria.
After a hearing, the municipal council imposed the maximum penalty of removal from office against Mugot.
When the matter was elevated to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the quasi judicial body found that Mugot’s actions did not constitute gross but merely a simple neglect of duty.
“There was no malicious intent beyond procedural negligence,” read part of the resolution. “The three-month suspension without pay is already a significant deterrent against future circumstances.”
