DENR-7 exec faces usurpation rap

CEBU, Philippines -  An urban poor leader has filed an administrative complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against the regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 for alleged usurpation of authority.

Fabian Vergel, resident of Tipolo, Mandaue City, has accused director Isabelo Montejo of usurping the authority of the then DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso.

Vergel, chairman of Tipolo Urban Poor Dwellers Association Incorporated and Assist Community Environment Organization Incorporated, said they have a pending application for the reclassification of a dried-up timberland in Tipolo to alienable and disposal land as provided for under a presidential proclamation.

But Montejo allegedly usurped the authority of Dichoso by making it appear that he has issued a letter which caused undue delay in their application. The letter also caused “great confusion” among the members of the organization.

The letter dated January 10, 2012 stated that the DENR-7 has never issued a clearance since the issuance of certification is vested under the concerned Community and Environment and Natural Resources Officer and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer.

The anti-graft office has referred the complaint to the Secretary of DENR who has jurisdiction and competence on the matter. — (FREEMAN)