Gone are the computer, religious icons, large picture frames of him and his family, his oath of office and a photo of President Arroyo.
Ouano told reporters he is only preparing the office for the next person who would occupy it. His term is coming to an end so he might as well give way to the next mayor, he said.
“Whoever takes over can start on his own,” he said.
His table, which is usually cluttered with documents and papers for signing, was empty except for a couple of folders and the mayor’s pen and reading glasses.
Folders were removed from a filing cabinet that lined a wall.
Framed photographs of Ouano and an aerial shot of Mandaue City were also taken off the walls of the receiving area.
The framed printout of Sun.Star’s 23rd anniversary feature that listed him as one of Cebu’s most influential persons was also removed from its conspicuous location in the office.
The mayor stressed that he hasn’t conceded yet because he hasn’t received his suspension order.
“If I already conceded, would I still send out my lawyers?” he said.
Ouano assured that until he receives his suspension order, he will continue to sign documents and receive visitors like he usually does.
“Panahon ni sa kuaresma sa akong kinabuhi (This is my life’s Lenten season),” he said.
Ouano arrived at City Hall before noon yesterday and allowed an interview. He thanked his supporters and apologized for the trouble they may have caused.
Last Friday, a throng of people gathered at City Hall and blocked all entrances to make sure the mayor’s suspension order will not be served.
They went back last Monday but left around 10 a.m. upon the instruction of the mayor.
Ouano said yesterday that heavy equipment were sent to block the entrances of City Hall last Friday because of reports that Bayan Muna and supporters of his political rivals would troop to the building.
Even as he appealed to supporters not to resort to any violent action, he explained that die-hard supporters are hard to control.
Because of the barricade, the public wasn’t able to make transactions and some employees weren’t able to report to their second-floor office.
Ouano asked for understanding over what happened.
“I just want to thank the people for putting their trust in me. It was just unfair because I wasn’t given a chance to air my side,” he said, referring to the suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Ouano added that he understands what a preventive suspension is for and that it is not a penalty. But the sad thing was that he was able to know about the order through the media.
Ouano recalled the other accusations hurled against him during his three terms as mayor. He said that he was called a rice smuggler and protector of the shabu laboratory that police raided in 2004.
Although he was cleared of the accusations, he said not one approached him to say sorry. (AAG/EOB)
