ES Lucas Bersamin defends suspensions of Valera father-daughter duo

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin defended the suspension of Abra Governor Dominic Valera and his daughter, Vice Governor Maria Jocelyn Valera-Bernos, stating that it adheres to existing laws.

Bersamin said he was not personally aware if the Valeras had appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but noted that suspensions were based on pre-existing rules rather than arbitrary decisions.

Valera was placed under preventive suspension for 60 days following a complaint alleging violations of the Local Government Code, while Bernos faced an 18-month suspension for various offenses including oppression and abuse of authority.

The complaints against Valera and his daughter stem from accusations that they installed another person to replace Juan Palcon, who died in 2023, despite legal provisions allowing the party of the deceased member to name a replacement.

Bersamin emphasized that the preventive suspension was designed to prevent interference with witnesses during an ongoing investigation, noting that Bernos had failed in her judicial remedy attempt due to alleged blunders.

The Valeras are facing continued scrutiny amid allegations of illegal appointments and abuse of authority, with Bersamin urging them to accept the process and face accountability.