Palace to Mike: Answer plaint

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the President has directed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to submit his answer to the complaint of Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia in relation to the alleged unlawful demolition of the barangay’s road center island and street lighting project in Katipunan Street.

Michael Aguinaldo, the De-puty Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, ordered Rama to submit his verified answer and not a motion to dismiss the complaint for alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct and oppression.

The order dated September 9, 2014, a copy of which was received by Buendia only last week, directed the mayor to furnish the complainant with a copy of his verified answer.

Buendia was also ordered to pay the a filing fee of P1,500 payable to the cashier of the Office of the President.

Aguinaldo directed Rama to comply with the order within 15 days from the receipt of the notice while Buendia was also reminded his failure to pay the filing fee will result in the outright dismissal of his complaint.

It was Rama who ordered the members of the City Hall’s Prevention Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team headed by Raquel Arce to demolish the project that was constructed at the middle of Katipunan Street near Salvador Street.

The barangay captain was disappointed when Rama ordered the demolition of the center island and street lighting project. He said the P300,000 project had the permission of the mayor himself even before it was constructed.

Some of the Labangon officials argued heatedly with the demolition team when they went to do their job last March, but Arce earlier explained she was just following orders.

Arce said they had to destroy the protruding piles of hollow blocks at the center island, because it was a traffic hazard particularly at night since the area is dimly lit.

Buendia argued that the project would benefit the public, but Rama said that when he inspected the project he found out that a center island is not appropriate for that road. The mayor welcomes Buendia’s move to file a case.

“Let them file a case and that’s the end of our relationship. If that’s the way they will treat Cebu City and the Office of the Mayor, then I can declare war against them. Is that the way they want it? Then they will have it,” he said.

Rama is presently in Sabrosa City in Portugal for activities in relation to sister city relationship.

The mayor is currently facing two administrative cases before the Office of the President, including the one filed by lawyer Reymelio Delute in connection with the granting of P20,000 calamity assistance to each of the 4,200 officials and employees of the city last December.

The government state auditors had already announced that the granting of the calamity assistance was highly irregular. —/BRP (FREEMAN)