Sangguniang Panlalawigan votes against Gov. Azanza’s request amid questions over appointee’s integrity and omissions in Personal Data Sheet
In a surprising turn during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regular session, seven board members voted to disapprove Governor Patrick Azanza’s request to enter into a contract of service with Atty. Ramil Tamayo for the position of Attorney IV, cum Chief of Staff, and Special Project Officer.
A spirited debate preceded the vote, centering on allegations that Atty. Tamayo failed to disclose his being a nominee of AKO TANOD, a partylist group that did not secure seats in the 2025 elections, on his Personal Data Sheet.
Board Members Arnel Turado and Giovanni Balmadrid led the charge, arguing that the omission strikes at the heart of professional integrity and the public trust.
The bloc advanced several grounds for disapproval:
1. False statements under oath on the Personal Data Sheet constitute a direct attack on an applicant’s integrity and credibility, and honesty in sworn public documents is a fundamental requirement for anyone serving or contracting with government offices;
2. A materially false or deliberately misleading entry signals a lack of truthfulness and disregard for legal obligations, traits incompatible with roles that demand public confidence;
- Knowingly making false sworn statements may amount to perjury or other criminal offenses, and a criminal allegation of that nature is sufficient to disqualify an applicant from service pending resolution; 4. Administrative and ethical breaches, including violations of the Code of Conduct for public officials and lack of moral fitness, justify denial, suspension, or termination of contracts of servicel
- Allowing an individual who has sworn falsely to assume official duties exposes the Province to reputational damage, governance vulnerabilities, and potential legal liabilities. Even seemingly minor inaccuracies are significant when sworn; demonstrated intent or a pattern of deception is decisive in assessing integrity; and
- Social media accusations alleging Tamayo’s involvement in illicit collections from quarry operators and improper activities further inflamed the session, prompting calls for thorough vetting and legal scrutiny.
Moved by the presentations, Board Members Tito Villamor, Doc Santos Zafe, and Josevan Balidoy, a known ally of former Vice Governor Peter Cua- joined Turado and Balmadrid in voting against the proposed engagement.
Two youthful legislators, SK Federated Chair Alvin Rodriguez and Board Member Fred Benedict Gianan, also aligned with the majority, citing integrity and good governance as guiding principles in their decision.
Those who moved for the approval of the request were Board Members Edwin Tanael, Xyriel Albaniel, and the Committee Chair on Justice and Human Rights, Jose Romeo Francisco.
It may be recalled that during the committee meeting, Board Member Edwin Tanael vehemently called for disapproval but later recanted during the August body’s deliberation
The motion to disapprove prevailed, preventing the lawyer’s immediate entry into contract of service.
The Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will coordinate any follow-up investigations and advise on next steps consistent with applicable laws and administrative procedures.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and safeguarding public trust in the Province’s appointments and contractual engagements. (Nathan Bonifacio)