By Joel J. Jabal
The Mindoro Post

Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. turned over the reins of government to Vice-Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor on May 1, a top aide of the beleaguered governor told The Mindoro Post Monday.

“We confirm that Governor Umali has already turned over the provincial government to Vice-Governor Dolor,” the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The aide said Umali issued a memorandum on April 30 temporarily relinquishing his duties as governor while he appeals graft convictions at the Sandiganbayan.

Dolor has been at the helm of the provincial government since May 1. Umali and Dolor are political allies. Both belong to the ruling Liberal Party (LP) and were running mates in the 2010 local elections, the aide said.

The aide added that the beleaguered governor submitted a letter to the Department of Interior and Local Government informing that he was voluntarily serving the 90-day preventive suspension slapped by the Sandiganbayan in connection with a P2.5 million graft case.

Umali is now in the United States for a month-long speaking engagement in the Filipino communities there, his aide added.