Only certified copy of ordinance will be given to mayor: Council

THE Cebu City Council will only release to Mayor Michael Rama a certified true copy of the ordinance that seeks to protect the South Road Properties (SRP) from “unlawful and unauthorized transactions” by prohibiting the mayor from selling lots without the council’s nod.

Belinda Navascues, secretary to the mayor, had written the council requesting to retrieve the original copy of City Ordinance 2332 so the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can examine the authenticity of the mayor’s signature on the last page of the measure.

Navascues’ letter was included in the agenda during the council’s regular session yesterday.

During the session, Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera moved to give a certified true copy of the ordinance to the mayor. Her motion was approved.

Cynthia Kahulugan, the council’s secretary, said it has never happened that the legislative body had released an original copy of any resolution or ordinance to anyone.

Kahulugan, who was interviewed by reporters after the session, said such has been the practice, because the original copy of the ordinance or resolution might be lost once it will be released.

Kahulugan added that the original copy of an ordinance or any resolution is for the records and safe keeping of City Hall’s legislative body.

In a news conference yesterday, Rama said he will not accept a certified true copy of the ordinance.

“Because I was asking for the original,” he said.

Asked what he will do now, the mayor only retorted, “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata (Await the next chapter).”

Rama had wanted the NBI to determine the authenticity of his signature on the last page of the ordinance. This, after the mayor, who has been expressing his disapproval of the ordinance, unknowingly signed the measure.

The executive department had said there might be “golden hands” behind his signature on the ordinance.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, who presides over the council, had said the mayor’s request for the original copy is illegitimate, considering that the mayor has vetoed it and the council has overridden the veto.

But Rama earlier said the council should release the original copy of the ordinance if they have nothing to hide.