Mayor: No usurpation by Cordova

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama yesterday exonerated for usurpation of authority City Hall security consultant Romeo Cordova for issuing orders to personnel without his approval.

Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña had announced over radio dyLA his plan to file a case for usurpation of authority against Cordova when he issued and implemented memorandum orders without the mayor’s approval.

Osmeña, however, did not elaborate when asked to confirm the radio report except saying that he is doing something about it.

Rama’s secretary Belinda Navasquez explained to City Hall reporters yesterday that Rama appointed Cordova as head of the Civil Security Unit (CSU) on January 27, 2011.

Navasquez said Cordova can issue a memorandum, especially if this is aimed at improving order at City Government offices.

The mayor, however, instructed Navasquez to monitor the orders Cordova is issuing.

Osmeña got mad after he learned that Jose Christian Hembra was relieved as head of the SRP Security Unit and was replaced by a female midwife, Florence Balungcas, whom Osmeña said lacks background on security, unlike Hembra who is a Criminology graduate.

Cordova earlier ordered all security personnel at the SRP to coordinate first with Balungcas if they have any issues on security.

Because of the controversy, Cordova issued another memorandum, this time designating three security personnel to handle each of three shifts.

Cordova insisted that being the head the City Hall’s security unit, he is already empowered to issue memos on security matters like the transfer of personnel. —(FREEMAN)