Cuenco to reassume position next month

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco, who was earlier dismissed from service, has secured his reinstatement order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In a press conference yesterday, Cuenco said he was informed that the order will be released within the week.

“If it comes out today or within the week since it’s Christmas season, Christmas time na, puros holidays naman after that, the schedule will still remain the same. I will reassume my post in January na,” he told reporters.

In October 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed Cuenco from the service for serious dishonesty and grave misconduct over his alleged involvement in the misuse of P3.3 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocation of his father, former south district congressman Antonio Cuenco.

With the dismissal, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Erik Miguel Espina as Cuenco’s replacement.

Just this October though, the Court of Appeals has reversed the decision of the anti-graft office and directed the DILG to reinstate Cuenco.

With this, Espina has tendered his resignation effective January 1, 2019.

There were reports that there were internal conflicts within the opposition group after the resignation of Espina, who also initially announced withdrawal from his candidacy.

But yesterday, Espina and Cuenco both said they have a good relationship with the other members of the group.

With all that he experienced since last year, Cuenco said he will retire from politics after his term ends in 2019.

“Even if there is still a chance to substitute, I wouldn’t. As Councilor Erik said, it’s really hard to have a stomach for politics as we both experienced. I’m retiring altogether,” Cuenco said.

Espina, for his part, said there are several allies of the group that are asking him to reconsider his decision withdrawing his candidacy.

He said he will pray for it during the Christmas break, saying there’s a time to announce his final decision.

“I’m listening to everybody. I’m part of the group. The probability is what had been stated. The possibility is in the realm of possibilities. Just give me time. There are certain things I have to consider. You have to have strong stomach for politics,” he added. — GAN (FREEMAN)