Talisay VM may file complaint vs mayor

CEBU, Philippines -  The rift between two former allies – Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante– is apparently intensifying as the latter is considering filing a complaint against the mayor.

Villarante is looking into the legal opinion issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government to file a verified complaint before the Office of the President against the mayor for alleged abuse of authority and oppression for slashing the job order quota of the legislative department.

Last week, Villarante sought for the opinion of DILG after De los Reyes turned down the 24-hour demand letter to reinstall the 186 job order personnel for the City Council offices.

"On the alleged abuse of authority and oppression committed by the mayor in slashing the job order quota of the legislative department, specifically those who disapproved the inclusion of the resolution in order of business, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Talisay City, being a component city, may file a verified complaint to the Office of the President," said DILG regional director Ananias Villacorta in his letter reply to Villarante dated December 10.

Villacorta also stated in his letter that an administrative case may also be initiated at the Office of the Ombudsman as provided for in Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1992.

After receiving the opinion from the DILG, Villarante made a final appeal to De los Reyes to reinstall the 186 job order quota of their offices.

"We regret to inform you that should your office continue to withhold granting this request, the undersigned will bring this matter to the Office of the President and file the appropriate administrative cases for oppression and abuse of authority against you," Villarante said in his letter to the mayor dated December 11.          

The mayor, as of press time, has not responded to the letter request from Villarante.

Villarante's letter was signed by the Alayon Party councilors. The City Council is dominated by Alayon Party members of former Cebu congressman Eduardo Gullas.

Villarante told the mayor that the council is willing to cooperate with his administration even if it was not the first time De los Reyes has reduced the number of job orders of the City Council members.

"We do not want to jeopardize the welfare of our constituency and we hope you will consider this request," Villarante added.—/ATO (FREEMAN)