ILIGAN City — A local court is set to issue a “Show Cause Order” to Cesarve Siacor, who claims to still hold the position of president of the Association of Barangay Council (ABC) in Iligan City.
This development was disclosed by Atty. Dexter Rey Sumaoy, the legal counsel of Clint Catubig, the barangay chair of Acmac, in a statement to reporters over the weekend.
Catubig, who also asserts to be the duly elected ABC President following the election on December 15, 2023, is at the center of the dispute.
The contested election, declared “null and void” by Eden Chua Pineda, National President of the Liga ng Mga Barangay, faced scrutiny for not adhering to the organization’s rules.
The alleged violations included the absence of a committee for receiving the Certificate of Candidacy, the improper counting of votes, and the premature proclamation of winners scheduled for December 1, 2023.
In response to the disputed election, a subsequent one took place on January 15, this year, proclaiming Siacor as the ABC president.
Mayor Frederick Siao acknowledged Siacor’s presidency in a flag-raising ceremony on the same day.
Sumaoy revealed that Siacor, despite being aware of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued before January 15, did not comply.
The TRO, issued by Judge Ali Ombra Bacaraman, was served by the sheriff on the morning of January 15, but Siacor allegedly disregarded it.
Consequently, a “Show Cause Order” will be issued, compelling Siacor to explain within five days why he should not be held in “Contempt of Court.” Conviction could result in a six-month imprisonment and a fine of P500,000.
Sumaoy asserted that Pineda and Siacor share a friendship, emphasizing that Pineda no longer holds the position of league president at the national level, implying that she lacks the authority to make such declarations.
In response to these developments, Siacor stated in a weekend press statement that he received the TRO at 9:30 am on January 15, after the election had concluded at 9:25 am.
He emphasized the receipt of a “Certificate of Confirmation” from the league at the national level.
Siacor defended the legitimacy of the candidates aligned with Catubig, claiming only three were qualified, adhering to the league’s Constitution and By-laws, which mandate candidates to be in good standing with updated dues payments and subscriptions.
Siacor expressed his intention to respond to the impending “Show Cause Order,” emphasizing his commitment to the rule of law.
He cited his previous uncontested run as the chair of Barangay Tomas Cabili as evidence of his adherence to legal procedures.
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