City wants latest move in Rallos case dismissed

CEBU, Philippines - The city government, through its legal office, wants the latest petition in the Rallos case dismissed due to lack of merit.

In response to the Supreme Court petition by Lucena B. Rallos, city attorney Jerone Castillo submitted its four-page comment last July 3 via registered mail.

Cited as grounds for dismissal include the petitioner acting as the legal counsel despite not being a lawyer herself, as well as the fact that the petitioner has sought too many legal venues.

“The filing by Lucena B. Rallos, acting in the capacity of an attorney for herself, for several cases, petitions, one after the other, is a desecration of our judicial processes and an insult of the bonafide members of the Philippine Bar who had to sacrifice a lot to be able to practice law,” the comment read adding that “the petitioner arrogated unto herself the unlawful practice of law.”

It was also noted that this particular case filed did not include other petitioners as identified by the Court of Appeals.

“Moreover, the filing of Lucena Rallos by several cases before different forums is a blatant act of forum shopping, and in keeping with the established jurisprudence, is sufficient grounds to cause the dismissal of all the cases she thus filed,” the city attorney continued.

Rallos wants compensation for a lot owned by her family located in Barangay Sambag 2 which has been used by the city government.  (FREEMAN)