Rama orders probe on CH adviser's memo

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered his secretary Belinda Navasquez to look into whether security consultant Romeo Cordova is authorized to reassign City Hall personnel without the mayor’s approval.

Rama made the order after learning that Cordova has issued several memoranda directing all security personnel assigned at the SRP to report to midwife Florence Balungcas.

Cordova relieved Jose Christian Hembra as SRP security head and designated three others as security supervisors.

Rama wanted to know whether issuing memorandums that involve reassignments of personnel is still within the scope of Cordova’s functions as consultant.

Navasquez said she will summon Cordova to personally inquire from him about the memoranda he issued designating some personnel to various functions without the approval of the mayor.

During the press conference, Rama said his initial understanding is that Cordova being a consultant for security matters can issue a memorandum but it is just recommendatory and still needs to be approved by him.

“Basahon usa nako ang iyang memorandum kay wala pa ko makabasa. Mo-report ra ko ni mayor Rama kon unsa’y akong findings,” Navasquez said.

Cordova insisted that after he was designated by the mayor to head the City Hall’s security unit he is already empowered to issue memorandum concerning security matters like transferring the security personnel from one post to another.

Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña has criticized Cordova, who claimed he was designated by Rama to replace Hembra. Osmeña said Hembra performed very well in protecting the SRP from bad elements.

Cordova said being the security consultant of the mayor protecting the SRP is among his tasks. – (FREEMAN)