Rama, journalists file motion to dismiss case

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and other respondents sought for the dismissal of the civil case filed against them by one of the heirs of late Rev. Fr. Vicente Rallos.

Lucina Rallos filed a complaint for indirect contempt of court against Rama and Cebu Daily News (CDN) publisher Eileen Mangubat and reporter Doris Bongcac over a statement of Rama which was published on a newspaper.

Rallos claimed the statements of Rama “are in violation of the subjudice rule and are punishable for indirect contempt” when he told that the Ralloses had unpaid tax obligations over the lot property.

However, Rama, through lawyer Joseph Bernaldez said the case was nothing but “an attempt to harass or coerce” Rama for his refusal to pay the judgment debt P13.3 million over a property used as public road.

“A simple reading of the supposed statements made by the respondent (mayor) reveals absolutely nothing even remotely contumacious, indirect or irresponsible,” the motion to dismiss reads.

Rama said the allegation filed by Rallos was completely “unfounded and misplaced.”

“Petition is based entirely on hearsay evidence and must be dismissed outright,” the motion reads.

The CDN through lawyer Fortunato Pagdanganan Jr. also asked for the dismissal of the case claiming the statement of Rama printed in the paper “did not cast doubt on the integrity or honesty of the courts or the judicial system.”

Rallos earlier said the statement of Rama printed in a newspaper was improper.

Meanwhile, the public auction of the lot located at the South Reclamation Project (SRP) will be held next week inside the Office of the Sheriff.

Sheriff Eugenio Fuentes said it’s Rallos who chooses the lot to be auctioned.

However, he said, before the auction Rallos has to put up P1.2 billion as sheriff’s indemnity bond to cover any future damages.

The amount represents the estimated cost of the development introduced by Filinvest Inc., which had entered into a P25-billion joint venture agreement with the City Government.

The FLI filed a third-party claim before Fuentes because subject for auction is the 50.6-hectare residential and commercial development project they developed.

Fuentes added if Rallos fails to comply with the directives, the public auction will not push through. — (FREEMAN)