Loot seeks dismissal of gross negligence raps

CEBU, Philippines - Daanbantayan Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot has sought for the dismissal of the charges filed against her by two Capitol department heads over the alleged failure to implement projects of the Provincial Government.

Just like her son, Mayor Sun Shimura, Loot said that the charges filed by Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Marivic Garces and General Services Office officer-in-charge Bernard Calderon should be dismissed due to lack of merit and factual basis.

Loot’s legal counsel, Ramon Urot claimed that his client should not be held liable for charges of gross negligence and dereliction of duty since her powers and functions are limited to being a “presiding officer” whose task, among others, is to sign ordinances or resolutions and other measures adopted by the municipal council.

“She does not exercise executive functions, except in cases of temporary absence or permanent vacancy of the position of municipal mayor, and does not posses the authority programs of the Provincial Government for and in behalf of the municipality,” read the verified reply of Loot.

The Cebu Provincial Board is now looking into the administrative complaints against Shimura and Loot for alleged failure to implement Capitol-initiated programs, among others.

Garces and Calderon alleged the municipal officials committed gross negligence and dereliction of duty for failure to implement Capitol-initiated programs such as the Early Child Care and Development, the Saksak food program and for failing to maintain and repair military vehicles.

  However, Loot said she has always been in good faith performing her duties and responsibilities as municipal vice mayor.

 “To set the record straight, I maintain my innocence over the said complaints for the simple reason that the allegations stated are simply and purely executive functions. I am relegated to being on the presiding officer whose task and duty are purely legislature in nature,” Loot said in her letter to PB secretariat Aniceta Pasaylo.

Loot challenged Garces and Calderon to render a full and thorough report relative to the concerned programs and projects to provide Cebuanos the rightful information they need to know.

“The Municipality of Daanbantayan has not been remiss its obligation to its residents and will endeavor to fulfill its commitment for the upliftment of lives of every Cebuano,” said Loot. — Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)