ILOILO – Former Police Major Charlie Sustento reconsidered his decision to run against former 4th District congressman Ferjenel Biron.
In a press conference yesterday, Sustento said he was withdrawing from the race to “protect people’s votes” while waiting for the Court of Appeals (CA) decision on his administrative case.
Sustento, however, said someone “ma-substitute sa akon.”
His substitute is set to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) this afternoon (Oct. 7).
“We are asking for your support kaangay sa pagsuporta nyo sa akon,” Sustento said.
Sustento appealed to the CA his dismissal from the Philippine National Police in connection with the administrative charges filed against him sometime in 2016. Then the chief of police of Dumangas town, he flagged down Biron’s convoy for inspection.
In 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered Sustento’s dismissal from the police service for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, gross incompetence, abuse of authority, and violation of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
According to Sustento, if he files his COC and the CA reverses the Ombudsman’s decision and orders his reinstatement, he would be disqualified from the congressional race for being still active in the police service.
Early retirement is also not an option, according to Sustento, because he is yet to reach 20 years in the police service.
A police officer can file for optional retirement upon reaching 20 years of service. Sustento has so far rendered 17 years of service to the Philippine National Police.
“Kon mag dalagan ako, i-consider nga abandoned ang akon appeal for reinstatement so wala ako kuhaon nga benefits. Sayang naman ang akon ginbaka-bakahan sa pila ka tuig without getting cash benefits. If the CA will reaffirm my dismissal there is perpetual disqualification from holding public office. So indi na ako pwede makapadalagan. That’s why I decided not to run. Damo pa nga elections ang matabo,” Sustento said./PN
