DESPITE the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) that allows him to return to the Cebu City Council, Councilor James Anthony Cuenco has no plans yet of returning to work.

It’s been a year since the Ombudsman dismissed him from his work. Cuenco and his family welcomed the CA decision that cleared him of administrative liabilities. The Sandiganbayan also cleared him of criminal liabilities. James was the chief of staff of his father, Rep. Antonio Cuenco, in 2001.

James’ case was filed after he started the “Tony ‘N Tommy” radio program that distributed free medicine to residents of the south district who are admitted at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

“ We welcome the total exoneration on the merits by the CA in the case filed against James Cuenco. The Cuenco family wishes to thank the good Lord for the vindication that we received from His blessings.” James’ camp said.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said they will follow whatever the CA tells them to do so. But he said they will also wait for a directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“Let us follow the directive exonerating Councilor James Cuenco and the order for the DILG to reinstate him to his position as councilor of south district in the City of Cebu,” Labella said.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Erik Espina said he has no qualms leaving his post to give way to Cuenco.

“Nalipay lang ko and that’s a vindication for Councilor James Cuenco. That clears the air of any suspicion given that the Cuenco name is respected in Cebu politics,” said Espina, who was named to take Cuenco’s seat.

He said that if Barug PDP-Laban wants to give his post to somebody else, he doesn’t have any problem with it. (PAC)