Young intervenes in Rama case against DOF

CEBU, Philippines - Citing that the case filed against Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Cesar Purisima was unauthorized, Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young filed a motion for intervention before the court.

Young, in behalf of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Cebu, questioned the declaratory relief filed by Mayor Michael Rama against Purisima.

“The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Cebu has passed a resolution on June 20, 2012 expressing disapproval to the filing of the instant case against Purisima,” the motion reads.

He said the Sangguniang Panglungsod in fact did not authorize Rama to file the case entitled the City of Cebu against Purisima.

“The City Mayor has filed said case against Sec. Cesar Purisima in behalf of the City of Cebu without the authority, concurrence and approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” the resolution reads.

Likewise, Young said in behalf of the Sangguniang Panlungsod that they oppose the interpretation of Rama against the designation of Emma Villarate as OIC-City Treasurer of Cebu City.

He claimed the designation of Villarete was in accordance with the law. It was Purisima who designated Villarete for the position through a Department Personnel Order.

“It is still within the powers and functions of Purisima as the appointing authority,” they insisted in their motion for intervention.

Meanwhile, Young asked for the dismissal of the petition filed by Rama against Purisima being defective and that it stated no cause of action.

He likewise, asked the court to lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued last June 26 by Judge Douglas Marigomen of Regional Trial Court Branch 5 and to deny the application for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction.

He said the petition was defective because it bears no authority coming from them.

Young added Rama can only file a case in court without their approval if it is a violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, or charges, or for the recovery of funds and property.

In fact, he said the Sangguniang Panlungsod was not in favor with the retention of Ofelia Oliva as OIC-City Treasurer of the City of Cebu.

Earlier, Rama filed a case seeking for the determination of whether or not the Department Personnel Order issued by Purisima was valid.

Purisima issued two orders designating Tessie Camarillo and Emma Villarete, during separate occasions, as in-charge of the Office of the Treasurer in Cebu City.

However, these were questioned by Rama saying it superseded the request of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) asking him only one nominee. Reportedly, Rama recommended Ofelia Oliva for the post. — (FREEMAN)