Private firm questions DoTC executives' memos

CEBU, Philippines - A private firm is now asking the court to order two transportation officials to explain their memorandums ordering the transfer of the LTO extension office back to the Talisay City Hall, contending that these memos defy a court decision.

Petitioner Matvel Holding Corp., in its 10-page motion, requested the court that Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jose P. de Jesus and his Assistant Secretary Virginia P. Torres be made to explain why they should not be cited for contempt for allegedly "defying and disobeying" a court decision.

And the petitioner also prayed that if their explanation is not satisfactory, "the proper punishment be meted out in the interest of justice."

The petition was prepared by lawyer Jorge Esparagoza and filed in Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 16 in Cebu City.

Matvel's petition came after de Jesus issued a memorandum, dated October 10, ordering the transfer of LTO's extension office from the South Central Square in barangay Lawaan III to the city hall, where it once held office.

The South Central Square is owned and operated by Matvel Corporation.

Following de Jesus' memorandum, Torres also issued a separate one, dated Oct. 20, directing LTO 7 director Raul Aguilos "to comply with all requirements in the transfer and submit report for proper documentation."

First district Rep. Eduardo Gulas, who has been opposed to the transfer, earlier said that he was positive the extension office would be back to the city hall in time.

The LTO-extension office was transferred to the South Central Square in late 2008.

Gullas said that although Matvel may be providing a space for the LTO, the arrangement is still "disadvantageous to the government."

Under the memorandum of agreement entered into by then LTO 7 director Alex Leyson and Mateo Velasco of Matvel Corp, LTO pays for maintenance, telephone, water, and security.

But Gullas said it is better off at the city hall where everything is for free and parking space is wide unlike that of the South Central Square.

The agreement, which was entered into last May 14, 2007, was good for 25 years.

In Dec. 2008, both parties agreed to abide by the compromise agreement rendered by RTC Branch 16 Judge Sylva G. Aguirre-Paderanga, which caused the transfer of the LTO extension office to South Central Square.

As of the moment, the LTO-extension office staff have reportedly been preparing for the transfer back to the city hall. (THE FREEMAN)