Is DILG playing with fire?

Ben Contreras

OSCAR Moreno is back as mayor, so it seems. I have no problem with that. But the way I see it, it’s no longer about legal issues but politics. I hope no one gets burned.

The ombudsman came with a decision, mandated the DILG to serve the order. It was served, and Ian Acenas was sworn in as mayor. But then the Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order. But the order had been served, and Acenas’s lawyers said it was “moot and academic.” (Many lawyers I have talked to said so, including one who once saved Moreno from his troubles as governor of Misamis Oriental.) The Moreno camp however said otherwise.

If the Moreno camp did not believe that the order was not served, their move would become “moot and academic.” Why the rush against time to secure the TRO from CA? “Naglumba and duha kung kinsa ang makauna, pagkuha sa TRO ug pag-serve sa order,” a radio commentator said.

The TRO was overtaken by the serving of the dismissal order because the associate justices inhibited themselves. Whatever reasons for their inhibition, that we do not know.

Who was it who floated the story that what the CA issued was a status quo ante order when in fact there was none? Was it to confuse people, including the media? Except for this paper, most of the Cagayan de Oro media was “nakoryente.”

I received a text message from the DILG, inviting me to a press conference. But I was on my way to Libertad at that time. I was told that “stated po in the press release that the department (DILG) filed a manifestation with urgent motion for clarification before the (CA) requesting an order from the court clarifying who should be recognized as ,ayor. But in the meantime, while waiting for such order, DILG shall recognize the performance of functions as mayor of CDO in obedience to following resolution dated Nov. 14 and TRO issued.”

Why seek clarification? Was DILG unsure of what it did? Apparently, DILG is doubtful of its own act. If DILG asked for clarification, why did DILG Uundersecretary Panadero issued what looked like his personal opinion that Moreno should still be the recognized mayor?

CA came with its second resolution after Panadero’s letter. Was it not preempting the CA? Was the DILG acting as the judge and the executioner? Was there a need for CA to reiterate as if it also unsure of its ruling?

Everything seems to be water under the bridge. Moreno regained his seat. Again, I have no problem with that. But it is not over yet until the Office of the Ombudsman makes itself heard. And the lawyers? Well, they still have their hands full for the next battle.