Pasay’s Calixto turned away from city hall

Dismissed Pasay Vice Mayor Antonio Calixto showed up at the city hall yesterday to reclaim his post after the Court of Appeals (CA) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on his suspension ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman.

But Calixto, accompanied by dozens of supporters, was blocked by the police from entering the building and turned away.

Mayor Allan Panaligan said they would only recognize the restraining order if the Department of Interior and Local Government implements it.

However, in a blow to Calixto, Interior Undersecretary Wencelito Andanar said Calixto could not replace Panaligan, saying the CA ruling did not state that Calixto could take over.

Calixto argues that the restraining order allows him to get his job back and even take over as acting mayor. Calixto was dismissed last year along with then Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad and several Pasay councilors for anomalies in awarding garbage disposal contracts.

Yesterday afternoon, Calixto marched to the city hall and was blocked by anti-riot policemen. He lingered for several minutes and left but vowed to come back on Monday during the flag ceremony.

He also threatened to file contempt charges if he is again blocked from getting his job back.

Panaligan said they would only recognize the TRO if the DILG would be the one to implement it. "We have not seen a copy of the TRO. If ever he (Calixto) was really issued a copy of the TRO, then they should seek the assistance of the DILG so that the latter can implement it."

Panaligan added that if the TRO is implemented, Calixto can only assume his old job. "I am already the mayor of the city. I have been installed by the DILG."

Last February, Trinidad, Calixto and the dismissed councilors marched to city hall but were blocked by riot police, resulting in a clash between Trinidad’s supporters and police officers.

Trinidad was insisting that he and the others should get their jobs back, pointing out that the suspension on them issued by the Ombudsman last year had expired.

Trinidad and the other officials were suspended for six months last year for allegedly approving a P464.6-million worth of illegal garbage collection and disposal contracts in 2004 to 2005. They were later ordered dismissed.

Sought for comment, Andanar said the TRO merely indicated that a status quo should remain in Pasay City and that it did not include an order allowing him to take over as acting mayor.

"Mayor Panaligan has already taken his oath and has been serving as the local chief executive and therefore there is no vacancy in which Calixto can take over." – With Cecille Suerte Felipe