Nueva Ecija gov appeals Ombudsman suspension over quarry permits

Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali is appealing his one-year suspension without pay, issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The suspension stems from administrative offenses related to the issuance of 205 quarry permits without the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Governor Umali stated that the charges are a result of a legal interpretation issue and are politically motivated, with the complainant being a security aide to a political rival.

He emphasized that the case does not involve criminal charges, corruption, theft, or wrongdoing, but rather the implementation of laws regarding the issuance of quarry permits.

The Ombudsman found Umali guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct based on findings from a House committee report.

Umali's wife, former governor Czarina Umali, and other provincial and Mines and Geosciences Bureau officials were cleared due to insufficient evidence.