Davide mulls case vs Medellin mayor

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday said he may file a mandamus case against Medellin Mayor Ricky Ramirez if the mayor continues to hold his town’s remittances to the Capitol.

Davide, interviewed by the media, said he will look into Ramirez’s move whether there is a need for the Capitol to file a case to force the mayor to remit the real property taxes.

“Kinahanglan mobayad, that’s his obligation under the law,” said Davide.

Under Section 271 of the Local Government Code, 35 percent of the basic real property tax collected by a local government unit goes to the province.

Ramirez last week ordered his municipal treasurer to “hold in abeyance” all remittances intended for the provincial government as he demanded the maintenance of provincial roads and bridges in his municipality.

But according to Davide, the repair of the damaged infrastructure is under the budget for post-Yolanda rehabilitation, which is still not released by the national government.

“Gipangutana na nako si Tribunalo, part na sa Yolanda budget nga naa na sa Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery,” said Davide, referring to Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Baltazar Tribunalo.

“As far (as I know), impatient tingali ni’ng mayora ni. Gusto diha-diha dayun mabuhat,” the governor added.

 The province had submitted a P12.2-billion budget for the rehabilitation of the 15 local government units in the north devastated by last year’s typhoon Yolanda.

Davide said that even if the rehabilitation of the infrastructure is delayed, this is “not an excuse” for Ramirez to withhold the revenue shares of the province.

“Kana siya lagi usahay kuwang og attention, sige’g reklamo,” added Davide. — (FREEMAN)