Nueva Ecija Governor back in office after Ombudsman suspension
Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali
By : Celso Cajucom
Gov. Aurelio Umali of Nueva Ecija was officially reassumed his duties on November 12, 2025, confirmed by an official letter to his elder brother Vice Gov. Gil Raymond Umali and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In his official social media facebook page, Umali’s return is based on a Consolidated Decision from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding cases OMB-C-A-APR-24-0029 and OMB-C-A-OCT-24-0095.
The governor officially back into office after being temporarily suspended by the Ombudsman over allegations of improperly issuing quarry and sand and gravel permits.
It recalled that a one year suspension for administrative case was imposed against Umali which was started on August 16, 2025 until 2026.
The governor in his post said the Motion for Reconsideration was Partly Granted by the Ombudsman as he (governor) is only guilty of Simple Misconduct.
The document said his complainant a certain Roberto Duldulao, however, denied his Motion for Partial Reconsideration by the graft court.
“He is, therefore, meted a penalty of Fine equivalent to three (3) Months salary in lieu of suspension from the service.” according to the ombudsman’s decision dated on October 6, 2025
It was received on November 5 and a notice was formally transmitted to the Provincial Government through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on November 11, 2025, of which, the governor started reassume duties on Novemeber 12., the post said.
During Umali’s absence, his brother and Vice Gov. Umali, was served as the acting governor and number one provincial Board Member Eduardo Jose “EJ” Ballesteros Joson VII as acting vice governor following the standard line of succession.
The provincial officials were back to their regular respective duties in the province.
Notes: This story i wrote originally first appeared at the currentph.com (link story: https://currentph.com/2025/11/14/nueva-ecija-governor-back-in-office-after-ombudsman-suspension/)
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