CEBU, Philippines — Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado has addressed the recent ruling by the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cebu City, which found her guilty of indirect contempt, emphasizing the inherent challenges and hazards of serving in local governance.
“The contempt against me is borne out of my consummate desire, duty, and obligations to fully and zealously protect the property rights and interests of the municipality and the Consolacionanons,” said Alegado.
She described the ruling as one of the many risks faced by local officials who navigate complex and often contentious issues in the line of duty.
“This is one of the many hazards of local governance and its officials,” she said, adding that only those in the field can fully appreciate the constant challenges and pressures of serving their constituents.
“Only those of us in local governance truly understand the many challenges, hazards, and difficulties of being on the frontline and the firing line of every problem brought before us daily,” she explained, pointing to the weight of expectations placed on local officials to act decisively.
Alegado underscored the importance of protecting government property and interests as a cornerstone of public service.
“Protecting the property rights and interests of the government is one of the paramount duties and obligations of every government employee and agency,” she said.
Questioning the court’s decision, she asked, “Since when did any act of protecting government rights, interests, or even exercising authority become contemptuous, malicious, or even criminal?”
Despite the ruling, Alegado assured the public that she would not be deterred from fulfilling her responsibilities.
“As a responsible government official, I will pursue what is best for my beloved Consolacion. Within the legal reglementary period, I and my lawyer will file a Motion for Reconsideration or exercise all legal options to elevate the matter,” she said.
The mayor vowed to continue performing her functions as Consolacion’s chief executive. “This temporary setback will not deter me a bit from pursuing what I have promised to all Consolacionanons – to serve them and protect their rightful interests,” she said.
The case against Alegado stemmed from a 2023 civil complaint filed by Fooda Saversmart and its president, Patrick Ngochua. The complainants alleged that the mayor unjustly placed barricades and fences that restricted access to their leased property in Poblacion, Consolacion, Cebu, disrupting business operations and discouraging customers.
The court had earlier issued a writ of preliminary injunction, ordering Alegado to remove the obstructions, but the complainants alleged that she failed to comply, leading to the indirect contempt ruling.