By: Rovinel Caballero, Regional News Correspondent

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan has ordered the implementation of a 30-day suspension without pay against Board Member Efren Bartolome Jr. following an ethics investigation into a complaint involving alleged sexual harassment.

The disciplinary action was imposed through Resolution No. 629-S’2026, which was approved during a regular session presided over by Vice Governor Alex Castro.

According to records of the ethics investigation, the complaint was filed by First District Board Member Romina “Mina” Fermin.

In her affidavit, Fermin alleged that Bartolome subjected her to unsolicited physical contact and inappropriate touching without her consent during an official provincial gathering in Calumpit, Bulacan.

After conducting a series of closed-door hearings, the ethics committee found sufficient grounds to hold Bartolome liable for conduct unbecoming of a public official and disorderly behavior under existing local legislative rules.

In addition to the 30-day suspension without pay, the resolution also carried a warning directing Bartolome to strictly observe professional boundaries and gender sensitivity standards in the workplace.

Bartolome, who represents the Lone District of San Jose del Monte in the provincial board, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Vice Governor Castro said the provincial board observed due process and acted impartially in resolving the complaint in order to uphold the integrity of the legislative body.

His camp, meanwhile, has yet to release a statement as of posting time.