CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is ready to answer the administrative complaint that was filed before the Office of the President against him over his withdrawal of support to the police force in 2016.
In an order, Malacañang through deputy executive secretary for legal affairs Ryan Alvin Acosta, ordered Osmeña to submit his verified answer within 15 days.
The City Legal Office received the order yesterday.
“I will answer all of that. How come the police are not complaining because if there is someone who should complain, it should be the police, right?” Osmeña said.
Osmeña believes that the case is just a manipulation for him to get suspended and to allow Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella to act as acting mayor.
Osmeña was charged for grave misconduct, abuse of authority and a violation of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Name complainant of the case were Joey Alfar, of Barangay Quiot and Roger Cimafranca of Talisay City.
Cimafranca was a former employee under the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City, a radio block-timer who was caught on video berating and threatening a traffic enforcer when he was caught travelling on a motorcycle with a passenger without a helmet in 2015.
City Attorney Joseph Bernaldez said they will draft the answer of the mayor, but will ask Malacañang to extend the time for their submission.
To recall, Osmeña, during his first months as mayor, withdrew the City Government’s support to the police following the revamp that led to the transfer of some officials, including former Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) chief Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos.
Osmeña’s move prompted the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to revoke his deputation from the agency to oversee the police. (RVC)