DILG reinstates Cagayan de Oro mayor Moreno

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Northern Mindanao on Wednesday, November 18, reinstated Mayor Oscar Moreno upon the directive of DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero.

Vice Mayor Cesar Ian Acenas, who was sworn in last week as mayor, will go back to discharging his duties as vice mayor.

Moreno was earlier ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman over a supposed tax settlement with Ajinomoto company that became disadvantageous to government. Moreno, however, brought the case to the Supreme Court, pointing out that the Ombudsman without considering his counter-affidavit, which investigators supposedly did not receive.

On Friday, November 13, just a day after a local court judge swore in Acenas as mayor, Moreno secured a temporary restraining order from the Court of Appeals.

In a letter, Panadero said the DILG received a copy of the temporary restraining order issued by the Special 22^nd Division of the Court Of Appeals.

The letter stated that the DILG filed a Manifestation with Urgent Motion for Clarification before the Court of Appeals 22^nd Division. It asked the court to clarify who should be recognized as mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, and that in the meantime, it would recognize Moreno as local chief executive.

In a press conference Wednesday morning, Moreno said he received the letter on Tuesday night, recognizing him as mayor pending the decision of the court.

DILG Region X Director Nilo Castanares confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that Moreno had been reinstated as mayor of Cagayan de Oro pending the resolution of the Ombudsman of the administrative case.

Moreno said that there is no more reason for the standoff at the city as the DILG directive is very clear that he is still mayor of the city.

“There’s no reason for a standoff. [All issues] would have been addressed [by the] Temporary Restraining Order issued on November 13,” Moreno said.

Moreno also called on Vice Mayor Acenas, his supporters, and sympathizers, including his lawyers, to study the matter very carefully and not exacerbate the issue.

Moreno said that for his team, the matter is crystal clear. “They should think about it a thousand times before they take action to run counter to a very clear situation at hand already,” Moreno said.

“Of course, Acenas’ lawyers may have a different views and they are entitled to that, but this is my call to them: resort to the legal remedies, do not muddle the issues. There are legal remedies that are available, go the courts, or whoever you think are the appropriate authorities,” Moreno said.

Moreno also called on to the city hall employees to be professional and serve the people of the city the best way possible, and not serve their political patrons.

Moreno also cautioned Acenas’ followers not to take any actions that is detrimental to the city government.

“We will not hesitate to take initiate appropriate administrative and legal actions to expose you and your political colors, your ambitions and interest – there is time for politics, let us fight when the campaign starts,” Moreno said.

Acenas has been barely visible since Moreno’s dismissal order was served. His lawyers have been issuing statements on his behalf. – Rappler.com