Robert Aquino Fernandez

29/05/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF VICE GOVERNOR ROBERT A. FERNANDEZ

ON THE ALLEGED OMBUDSMAN SUSPENSION ORDER

Mga Ka-Isla,

It has come to our attention that copies of an Order from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding a six-month preventive suspension against myself and eleven (11) members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are currently circulating.

To prevent confusion and set the record straight, I would like to clarify the following vital points regarding this matter:

NOT OFFICIALLY SERVED BY PROPER AUTHORITIES:

As of this moment, our office has NOT been formally served this order by the proper implementing authorities, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Instead, a photocopy of the document was merely handed over by the staff of the Office of the Governor to our staff at the Office of the Vice Governor. Until the proper, legal, and official service is executed by the rightful regulatory channels, the leadership of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan remains fully active, functional, and intact.

OUR STAND ON TYPHOON RELIEF:

The root of this complaint stems from our legislative stance on the utilization of the Quick Response Fund (QRF). In the wake of Super Typhoon "Uwan," which left 39,003 families with damaged homes, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan stood firm on prioritizing immediate, direct cash assistance so our affected kababayans could directly buy what they urgently needed to rebuild their lives. We firmly believe that fighting for the welfare and immediate relief of our calamity-stricken citizens is not misconduct—it is our highest duty as elected officials.

A PREVENTIVE SUSPENSION IS NOT A FINDING OF GUILT:

We respect the processes of the Office of the Ombudsman, but the public must understand that a preventive suspension is NOT a penalty, nor is it a final ruling of guilt. It is simply a procedural measure used during an ongoing administrative investigation. Should this be properly served to the respondents, then, we will comply.

We are completely ready to address and answer every single allegation legally and transparently through the proper channels. The policy disagreements cited in the complaint—including budget deliberations and local appointments—reflect the necessary checks-and-balances of a functioning, independent legislative branch.

We urge our kababayans to remain calm and discerning. We will not be distracted by premature political narratives on social media. Rest assured, our commitment to defending the rights of our typhoon victims and serving the province of Catanduanes remains absolute and unfazed.

Patuloy ang ating tapat na serbisyo para sa bawat Catandunganon. Maraming salamat po.

HON. ROBERT A. FERNANDEZ
Vice Governor, Province of Catanduanes
May 29, 2026

29/05/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF VICE GOVERNOR ROBERT A. FERNANDEZ

​On the Petition for Declaratory Relief (SCA No. 0147) Filed by Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza

​Para sa mga mahal kong Catandunganon:

​Kahapon, ika-28 ng Mayo 2026, opisyal na tinanggap ng aking tanggapan ang kopya ng Summons at Order mula sa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42 hinggil sa Petition for Declaratory Relief (SCA No. 0147) na isinampa ng ating Punong Lalawigan, Gov. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, laban sa akin bilang inyong Bise Gobernador at Presiding Officer, kasama ang lahat ng miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

​Nais ko pong iparating sa pangkalahatang publiko—lalo na sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Catanduanes—ang ilang mahahalagang punto ukol dito:

1. ​We Respect the Legal Process: Ang pagdulog sa korte ay isang karaniwan at legal na hakbang sa ating pamahalaan upang bigyang-linaw ang interpretasyon ng mga batas o polisiya. Lubos nating iginagalang ang kapangyarihan ng ating hudikatura.

2. ​We Will Respond Accordingly: Sa loob ng itinakdang tatlumpung (30) araw, pormal at maayos na sasagutin ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang mga puntong nakasaad sa petisyon sa pamamagitan ng ating opisyal na Answer na isusumite sa korte.

3. ​Check and Balance is Vital: Bilang lehislatibong sangay ng pamprobinsyang pamahalaan, tungkulin ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na masusing suriin ang mga programa at polisiya. Ang prosesong ito ay bahagi ng ating paggagarantiya na ang bawat hakbang ng pamahalaan ay naaayon sa batas at para sa interes ng taumbayan.

​​Nanatili tayong kalmado, tapat, at nakatutok sa ating mandato. Ang ating legal team ay kasalukuyan nang nag-aaral sa dokumento upang masiguro na mapoprotektahan natin ang integridad ng institusyon ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

​Maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na tiwala at suporta.

Dios mabalos sa sainyong gabos!

​HON. ROBERT A. FERNANDEZ
Vice Governor & Presiding Officer
Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Catanduanes

26/05/2026

05/05/2026

A productive meeting at the Office of Robert A. Fernandez as he warmly welcomes the province’s new doctors. Strengthening partnerships in healthcare, one conversation at a time—toward better, more accessible medical services for every Catandunganon.

05/05/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

This is to confirm that we have likewise received today the Order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the complaint filed against Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza.

This development is related to our earlier statement, where we acknowledged receipt of the Ombudsman’s Order involving the Vice Governor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Taken together, these proceedings reflect a broader legal process that we fully recognize and respect.

Consistent with our position, we welcome every opportunity to clarify the facts. The actions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan—including the review of provincial agreements and budgetary measures—have always been anchored on transparency, legality, and the protection of public interest. These principles remain unchanged.

We reiterate our commitment to uphold accountability and due process. The Ombudsman’s proceedings provide the proper forum for all parties to present their respective positions, supported by evidence and guided by law.

While these matters are being resolved, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will continue to function without disruption. Legislative work will proceed, and public service to the people of Catanduanes will remain steady and uninterrupted.

We call on the public to remain discerning, avoid speculation, and allow the process to unfold based on facts.

Ang aming paninindigan ay malinaw: transparency and service above all. Patuloy kaming maninindigan para sa tama, tapat, at makabuluhang paglilingkod sa bawat Catandunganon.

20/04/2026

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 ⚖️🏛️

​Today, our office officially received the Order from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the complaint filed against the Vice Governor and the Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

​We welcome this opportunity to clarify the facts. Every action, resolution, and ordinance passed by the SP—including our thorough evaluation of provincial agreements and budget appropriations—is driven by a single purpose: to protect the interests and the common welfare of every Catandunganon.

​As your legislators, it is our sworn duty to exercise checks and balances and ensure that every government action is legal, transparent, and truly beneficial to the public. We remain firm in our stance that public service is a public trust, and we will not be deterred by political maneuvers.

​Ang inyong Sangguniang Panlalawigan ay patuloy na magbabantay para sa tama, tapat, at de-kalidad na serbisyo sa ating probinsya.

08/04/2026

Pagpupugay sa ating mga magigiting na bayanj.