A three-page resolution penned by Sandiganbayan 2nd Division Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr. ordered Torres to “ to cease and desist from further performing and/or exercising the functions, duties and privileges of the position of Mayor of the Municipality of Guagua, Pampanga, or any other public office or position he may now be holding, effective immediately upon receipt of this Resolution and continuing for a period of 90 days.”
The resolution, dated last March 3, was with the concurrence of Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musngi and Lorifel Pahimna.
The resolution tasked the Department of Interior and Local Government in this province to implement the suspension.
Torres was charged with illegal use of public funds under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code after he allegedly approved the use of P2.76 million for the rehabilitation of the Manuel P. Santiago Park at the town plaza.
The Sandiganbayan noted allegations that the funds were for the rehabilitation of another area in the town and the purchase of a refrigerator van and heavy equipment as specified in a municipal ordinance issued in July 2014.
The Sandiganbayan said the suspension of Torres was based Section 13 of the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act allows the anti-graft court to suspend an incumbent public official facing criminal proceedings.
“Wherefore, premises considered, the motion to suspend accused pendente lite dated January 26, 2018 is hereby granted,” the Sandiganbayan said.
