Osmeña, Morelos told: Answer plaint

CEBU, Philippines - Finding enough basis to proceed with the criminal investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has ordered Mayor Tomas Osmeña and another city official to answer the complaint filed by former City Hall employee Aniceto Canturias.

Canturias alleged Osmeña violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Act Penalizing Usurpation Of Public Authority when he appointed two acting mayors last July.

“Finding enough basis to proceed with the criminal investigation of the aforementioned case, above-named respondents are hereby ordered to file their counter-affidavit and other controverting evidence to the complaint filed by Aniceto Canturias,” the Ombudsman order reads.

"Failure to comply as herein directed within the period prescribed by the rules shall be deemed a waiver of the right to present the party's counter-affidavit or reply-affidavit and the investigation shall proceed according to existing rules,” the order reads further.

Osmeña received the order last Monday.

City Administrator Veronica Morelos is also part of the case.

Canturias has questioned why, when Osmeña went for a family vacation in Japan from July 23 to July 27, he issued a memorandum providing for the joint designation of Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and Morelos as acting mayors.

Canturias said the joint designation was irregular.

Osmeña and Morelos chose not to comment. Canturias, for his part, said both Osmeña and Morelos should answer his complaint.

“Mayor Tommy Osmeña needs to explain, and explain it well he must, over why he appointed another mayor and brought the city government into polarized situation. He’s been mayor for 18 years and he knows the rule. It was an unthinkable lapse of reason, about which he should be held answerable,” Canturias said in a text message to The FREEMAN.

Canturias also filed a separate administrative complaint against Osmeña for the same issue. He wants the mayor to be suspended and eventually dismissed from service because of the “grave offense.” (FREEMAN)