SAN MATEO, RIZAL – As election day approaches, a wave of uncertainty looms over San Mateo, Rizal, after the Office of the Ombudsman slapped a six-month preventive suspension on several key municipal officials, including mayoral and vice-mayoral candidates, in connection with an environmental case that has shaken public trust.
The suspension order, issued on February 21, stems from a complaint involving alleged illegal soil dumping in Beltran Creek, located in Guitnang Bayan 1. The dumping is reportedly linked to preparations for constructing the Birmingham Sunrise 2 housing development — a project some residents claim has contributed to worsening floods in the area.
Among those suspended are mayoral hopefuls Councilor Denzel Diaz, Barangay Guitnang Bayan I Head Jomer Cruz, and incumbent Mayor Omie Rivera. Vice-mayoral aspirants Cristeo Cruz and Jimmy Roxas, along with several sitting councilors running for re-election, were also included in the suspension order.
The complaint accuses the officials of gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violations of both RA 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007) and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
For San Mateo voters, the timing couldn’t be more troubling.
“Who will be in charge if the people we elect are already suspended?” asked one concerned resident, echoing a sentiment shared by many who now fear a governance vacuum once the new terms begin on June 30.
Under current conditions, whoever wins among the three mayoral candidates — Rivera, Cruz, or Diaz — will assume office while still under suspension, further complicating the transition of power.
In response to the allegations, Mayor Omie Rivera issued an official statement denying the local government’s involvement in the dumping. He pointed instead to the private developer behind the Birmingham Sunrise 2 project. Rivera said that upon learning of the situation, his office immediately filed a case against the developer before the Pollution Adjudication Board of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and demanded the removal of the dumped materials from the waterway.
While investigations continue, the people of San Mateo are left with more questions than answers — and a deepening concern about transparency, accountability, and who will ultimately lead their town forward.