Market supervisor files raps against CH worker

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City market supervisor Salvador Doctor has filed a formal administrative complaint in Mayor Michael Rama's office against a city hall utility worker who punched him October 8 inside Freedom Park.

The mayor endorsed Doctor's complaint to the City Legal Office for action.

The Freeman has learned that Ronald Badajos has already been ordered to answer the complaint.

Doctor also formally informed the Cebu City Market Authority of how the incident took place that prompted Councilor Raul Alcoseba, chairman of the City Council's committee on markets, to invite both Doctor and Badajos to appear before the committee next Friday.

Doctor said that while he was roaming around Freedom Park market on the morning of October 8, he met Badajos and without any reason punched him on his chest. Still not satisfied, Badajos kicked Doctor on his left thigh.

The market official chose not to fight back, but instead informed Rama about the incident.

Doctor asked why Badajos, his son, and a relative have been allowed to operate stalls at the Freedom Park public market, which he said was a violation of an existing city ordinance.

"Why is it that Badajos and his family are allowed to operate stalls at Freedom Park when the ordinance prohibits any city official or employee, including their relatives up to the fourth civil degree by consanguinity or affinity," he said.

According to Doctor the records showed that Badajos' wife, Erlinda is the registered occupant of Stall No. 236, his son Rolyn Badajos occupied Stall 161, while his sister in-law Avelina Crizon is also the permitee of Stall 235.

"Had the Badajos family not allowed to operate at Freedom Park market the incident would never have happened," Doctor said.

Market administrator Raquel Arce said Badajos became arrogant after market authorities strictly enforced the policy which prohibits the operation of video karaoke inside the public market.

She said Badajos was one of the video karaoke operators affected by the policy.

"Gusto man niya nga dili siya apilon sa pagpatuman sa pagdili sa videoke kay ato-ato ra kuno ni," Arce said. (FREEMAN)