Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Baguio mayor's suspension takes effect
By Rimaliza Opiña
MAYOR Braulio Yaranon on Monday bade adieu to City Hall employees during the flag-raising ceremony but vowed that even with his yearlong absence, he will continue fighting for issues that he believes ultimately leads to good governance.
Visibly composed unlike in the past months when he criticized officials whom he perceived are involved in the "fast tracking" of his suspension, Yaranon announced that Vice Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. will take over as acting mayor starting last Monday.
Bautista, who is normally present during flag-raising ceremonies, was absent during the activity and even in the regular session of the City Council.
"To my fellow public servants, I hope you continue serving with the same interest, enthusiasm, vigor, determination in order to establish good governance," Yaranon said.
He also urged government employees and elected officials to "work with honesty and humility," adding that while under suspension, he intends to file a petition for review of his case before the Court of Appeals (CA).
"We are not giving up the fight, but we bow to the decision of the Office of the President," he said.
The mayor, meanwhile, expressed gladness over the recent turn of events at the City Council where the body is taking to task the repeal of Ordinance 003-2000 or the Pay Parking Ordinance and the rescission of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Jadewell Parking Systems Inc., the company that filed administrative charges against the mayor that eventually resulted in his suspension.
"At least, the things we have started are bearing fruits," he said.
The Office of the President last August 22 finally resolved the impasse on who should seat as mayor of Baguio after it denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Yaranon "for lack of merit."
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita directed the Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG) "to implement and execute" its decision dated June 26, 2006, which imposed a two successive six-month suspension on Yaranon.
Ermita said the mayor should be suspended from holding office immediately "even pending appeal," pursuant to Section 68 of the Local Government Code (LGC). He said the issues and arguments laid out by Yaranon in his motion for reconsideration "are virtually mere reiterations and rehash of the matters set forth by him" in his response and other pleadings, "which were already considered, squarely addressed and resolved" by the Office of the President in its June 26 order.
(August 29, 2006 issue)
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