CEBU CITY -- Members of the Toledo City council filed at least 10 charges against Toledo acting Mayor Antonio Yapha Jr. and legal officer Atty. Teresito Largo at the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas on Wednesday here.
The filing of administrative charges against Yapha and Largo stemmed from the appointment of Largo as city legal officer despite the non-concurrence of the Toledo City Council.
The charges include gross ignorance of the law, grave misconduct, grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction, conduct grossly prejudicial to the public service, corruption, and violations of the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160, 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments of the Civil Service Commission, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Ombudsman Act of 1989.
In an interview with reporters, plaintiff counsel lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna said Largo was denied thrice by the Toledo Council to sit as legal officer, yet Yapha still appointed him.
“Mayor Yapha appointed Atty. Largo as city attorney, but he was not confirmed by the City Council of Toledo, meaning he has no more authority whatsoever. Again, in defiance and violation of the law, even without the concurrence of the Council, Yapha reappointed Largo,” dela Cerna said.
“The City Council found it very very out of his (Yapha) jurisdiction, that is why they filed the cases against the mayor and Atty. Largo because the city government of Toledo has been paying Atty. Largo, a private individual who has no authority to assume the office of the city attorney,” he added.
Dela Cerna said the councilors are praying for the preventive suspension of Mayor Yapha and the termination of Largo as legal officer.
Suspended Toledo Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña also arrived at the Office of the Ombudsman to show his support to the City Council. (PNA)
