The 90-day preventive suspension of Philippine Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Edmund Tan that started on July 11 has been suspended.

In a text message to the DAILY STAR, Tan said “The court resolved that my preventive suspension is suspended and held in abeyance pending the resolution of my MR (motion for reconsideration). Now we will work out for the dismissal of my case in the Sandiganbayan. God is good”.

He said that while the motion for reconsideration is under litigation, he will pursue his case with the Sandiganbayan for the dismissal of the case, that he earlier clarified is not for graft and corruption, but “an offshoot in the performance of our duty in promoting safety of life and property at sea”.

The Sandigan suspended Tan in line with a complaint filed against him in 2007 when he was still the district commander for PCG Central Eastern Visayas. Earlier reports said that businessman Reynaldo Chua complained against Tan for stopping his barge, the LCT Kapitan, loaded with 3,500 tons of iron ore, from departing from the Pagadian City Port.

Tan said they held the barge from departing because it had no anchors, which is in violation of the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations.

He added that the administrative aspect of the complaint had been dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman in July 2011, after Chua filed an affidavit of desistance May 2011 “as he realized that our action in not letting the barge depart was done in the performance of our duty as coastguardsmen”, Tan added.*RG

back to top