DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Former Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Maria Belen Acosta through her counsel has stated she will only return the agency-issued service vehicles if she fails to secure a temporary restraining order from the court.
This statement comes amidst ongoing legal battles following her dismissal from office.
Acosta, who was removed by the Office of the President on May 20 due to “Lack of Trust and Confidence,” has yet to return three service vehicles belonging to MinDA: a Staria, Innova, and Expander.
The agency reported to San Pedro Police Station here that Acosta refused to return the vehicles.
Her legal counsel, Lawyer Israelito Torreon, explained, “We wrote a letter to MinDA clarifying that we still have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. We indicated that if we are not granted a temporary restraining order, we will voluntarily return the vehicles assigned to her.”
The legal tussle began when Acosta filed a quo warranto case against Leo Magno, her successor as MinDA chairperson. This case was dismissed by RTC Branch 12 Judge Mario Duaves. Following the dismissal, Acosta requested Duaves to inhibit himself and subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration, which was transferred to Judge Nanette Gustilo Lemana.
On July 10, Judge Lemana dismissed Acosta’s motion for reconsideration in an 18-page decision, emphasizing, “Regarding the doctrine of presidential immunity from suit, this Court holds that this doctrine is inapplicable in the instant case. The President’s right to choose the MinDA Chairperson and the duration of their term is beyond the scope of a quo warranto case. This can be determined more appropriately in a proper case. Besides, the President is not a party in this case.”
Acosta’s legal team is now considering further actions. Torreon stated, “We are exploring our options to take this matter to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. We have 15 days to act, or if we file a petition for certiorari, we have 60 days to act.”
In the meantime, Acosta has placed a condition on the return of the government vehicles, tying it to the outcome of her legal appeals. The service vehicles in question, essential for the agency’s operations, remain with her pending the court’s decision on the temporary restraining order.
Acosta’s legal battles have attracted significant attention, particularly regarding the use and return of government property. The controversy over the vehicles adds another layer to her complex case against the current MinDA administration.
The context of this legal struggle underscores the broader implications of presidential appointments and the processes by which dismissed officials can contest their removals. As the case progresses, it highlights the intricate balance between administrative authority and legal recourse within the Philippine government.
This ongoing saga also raises questions about the procedures and policies regarding the use of government resources by officials, both during and after their tenure. Acosta’s case serves as a pivotal example of the legal and administrative challenges that can arise in the wake of high-level dismissals and transitions within government agencies.
The post Former MinDA chair sets condition to return government-owned vehicles appeared first on NewsLine Philippines.
Former MinDA chair sets condition to return government-owned vehicles
Newspaper Updates PH
0 comentários :
Post a Comment