"She's undesirable as far as I'm concerned. It's my prerogative to say you're not desirable, period. And I know I'm not alone," Osmeña told reporters in a press conference yesterday morning. The mayor said Castro's P5,000 monthly incentive was cut off from January this year until "forever and ever", or for as long as she is assigned in Cebu City.
"And not only Mary Ann but the five policemen also who have been supportive of her. For as long as she's here in Cebu City, each of them won't get their P1,000 monthly incentive. Let her pay their incentives," Osmeña said.
The mayor further said he might recommend for her transfer outside of the city but he would rather have her ask for it herself.
Castro, when told about it, said she has not received yet any memorandum from the mayor on the matter and she has no idea what caused Osmeña's decision.
"There must be a reason why he did it," she said as she conjectured that it might have something to do with a conflict she had with two influential brothers over a traffic incident in the past when these five policemen responded and helped her out.
Castro however accepted the mayor's verdict with deference: "He is the father of this city and he knows what's best for his children."
Castro was not concerned of the outcome upon her because she has not received any incentive anyway since her transfer from Talisay City. She was more worried on what would happen to the five policemen. Each of the affected policemen have families and the suspension of their incentives, albeit temporarily, would be a big blow to them, she said. "Looy pud ang mga pamilya sa mga pulis (It's a pity also to the families of these policemen)."
However Castro knew Osmeña might take pity eventually. "Deep inside, he has a heart," she said. - Cristina C. Birondo and Liv G. Campo