In Danao City: Judge invites Boy, Nito to mediation meeting

CEBU, Philippines - Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. and his brother Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III will meet next week in a mediation meeting arranged by the Danao Regional Trial Court to discuss the case which involves the 250 casual employees assigned at the Vice Mayor’s Office who have been seeking payment for their salaries.

In a talk with reporters, Vice Mayor Nito Durano said Danao RTC Branch 25 presiding Judge Jerry Dicdican has arranged a meeting between him and his brother Mayor Boy Durano.

Nito said Dicdican has advised them to refrain from bringing their lawyers.

The vice mayor said he welcomes the meeting and hopes a solution to the workers’ problem can be reached.

The casual employees of Vice Mayor’s office had filed a complaint against Mayor Durano for refusing to pay their salaries, wages, and benefits and accused him of grave abuse of authority, oppression and violation of human rights, serious misconduct, dereliction of duty, and unsatisfactory conduct prejudicial to the service.

Last July 25, the mayor was ordered by the court to comply with Ordinance No. 03-12, which carried salaries, wages, and benefits of the casual employees.

But the mayor “defied the same and arrogantly declared before the media that he will not obey said Temporary Restraining Order,” the complainant said.

“As chief local executive, it is the duty of the respondent (Mayor Boy) to enforce the law… yet in this case, instead of following the law, without any valid reason and for his vested political interests, chose to defy the same,” the complainants said.

Last July 26, Regional Trial Court Judge Sylvia Aguirre-Pedranga issued a TRO which in effect ordered city officials to pay the salaries and benefits of their 238 casual workers.

Mayor Boy vowed not to heed the court order. – (FREEMAN)