Editorial: Who's to blame?

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

MALACAÑANG has reportedly ordered Mayor Vicente Emano to answer the administrative complaint filed by the members of Save CDO Movement for his alleged failure to protect the residents of Cagayan de Oro from the wrath of “Sendong” in December.

In the order dated January 18, 2012, Malacañang directed Emano to submit his answer on the complaint filed by Raul Ramon S. Roa, et. al., for alleged gross negligence and dereliction of duty within 15 days.

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The complainants said Emano allegedly failed to implement the provisions of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 that resulted to the loss of lives of thousands of Kagay-anons.

While the local governments are under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the regional office denied it delivered the said order personally to Emano though it admitted it was given a copy of the order.

And though reports of the said order have already been circulating, Emano still denied having received it. But he earlier said he would answer the complaints if ever he gets the copy.

Within 15 days, residents of the city, especially the members of Save CDO Movement, are in a wait-and-see situation as to what would be the statement of the mayor. Would he accept his flaws? Would he claim responsibility of what happened? And would Malacañang accept his alibis?

That we still have to see…