Suspended Rizal mayor refuses to vacate office

The 24-hour deadline given by acting Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Jonas Cruz for suspended Mayor Pedro Cuerpo to leave his office at the town hall lapsed yesterday but the latter refused to budge.

Cruz said he has no other recourse but to seek the help of the Rizal provincial board and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in resolving the situation since they were the ones that suspended Cuerpo for six months.

Cruz said Cuerpo’s suspension was not served legally since he has been “holding court at the mayor’s office since last week” while his supporters have massed in front of the town hall.

But Cruz said they would not forcibly evict Cuerpo from the mayor’s office to prevent violence.

Last Tuesday, Cruz issued a memorandum asking Cuerpo to leave his office in 24 hours, saying the latter’s continued stay has resulted in bigger electricity and communication expenses.

Cuerpo refused to accept Cruz’s memo, prompting his supporters to hold a vigil in front the municipal building, bringing cots and mats to sleep on.

Cuerpo’s supporters said they would not leave until they get orders from the suspended mayor or from the DILG, which has supervision over local executives.

Meanwhile, Cruz said municipal operations are normal despite the presence of Cuerpo and his supporters.

He admitted though that the shooting incident last week, which resulted in the wounding of two employees, has left dark memories among the rank-and-file.