Rallos heir files criminal case vs. Rama

CEBU, Philippines - After filing administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Lucina Rallos has filed criminal complaints.

Last Friday, Lucina, a resident of Upper Tabok, 6014 Mandaue City, filed complaints against Rama for violations of (RA) 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Article 231 of the Revised Penal Code, and for open disobedience and violation of Section 4(c) of RA 6713 or Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards.

In her 27-page affidavit-complaint, Rallos said Rama still refuses to comply despite the Supreme Court order directing the City of Cebu to pay the Ralloses P133 million as compensation for their property in Sambag 1 used as public road by the city.

She added that Rama has “no legal justification not to honor and obey the resolution of the SC” affirming the decision of the lower courts.

“It must be emphasized that the resolution dated December 6, 2010 of the SC became final and executory…as a consequence of this, Rama, as the city mayor, came to be legally obligated to have the decision dated June 11, 2010 of the Court of Appeals promptly complied with and/or obeyed,” the affidavit-complaint reads.

Meanwhile, Lucina claimed that the issuance of the preliminary injunction against them cannot stop the implementation of the final and executor decision.

Earlier, the City of Cebu represented by Rama, filed a petition for annulment of judgment before the Court of Appeals directing them to pay P133 million as compensation of the Rallos’ property.

Rama said they have evidence to prove that the lot was donated by the late Ralloses to the City of Cebu, the “convenio,” which is an agreement signed by the late Ralloses.

City lawyer Jade Ponce told The FREEMAN the actuation of Lucina constitute forum shopping.

“It’s plain and simple forum shopping she and her lawyers are now liable for contempt. Since when is defending public funds against unjust claims criminal? If there is criminal liability, it is from those officials who have allowed this case to prosper. It is those officials who persist in forcing the city to pay in violation of the law and rules should be the ones prosecuted,” he said.

Earlier, Lucina filed administrative complaints against Rama for grave misconduct, oppression, dishonesty, and neglect in the performance of his duty and a violation of his oath or affirmation of office before the Ombudsman. — (FREEMAN)