Gov. Dong Padilla Suspended! Ombudsman Drops 18-Month Bombshell Over Volunteer Scandal Riel Takes Over as Acting Governor

Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte “Dong” Padilla, brother of action star-turned-senator Robin Padilla, has been slapped with a 1.5-year suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman over the controversial use of volunteer workers in official government roles.

According to the Ombudsman, Padilla was found administratively liable for allowing former Mayor Senandro Jalgalado to serve as a member of the Governor’s Special Action Group (GSAG) and for assigning Jorge Dayaon as a volunteer broadcaster for Radyo Pilipinas — all without proper authorization.

The penalties? One year for the GSAG issue and six months for the broadcaster stint — sidelining Padilla for nearly half of his second term as governor!

He was found guilty of Simple Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, and Conduct Unbecoming of a Public Official — a triple whammy that shook the Capitol.

But it gets worse. His co-accused, Councilor Senandro Jalgalado, didn’t just get suspended — he got kicked out of public service altogether!

With Padilla out of the picture, Board Member Dennis Riel will officially take the reins as Acting Governor of Camarines Norte starting Tuesday.

This latest bombshell adds more drama to the province’s political scene, with critics calling for stricter compliance with civil service rules — and supporters hoping for a comeback.

Stay tuned — the saga of Gov Dong is far from over.