DILG to probe ex-Cebu mayor for removing fixtures

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will conduct an investigation into the removal of the fixtures at the mayor’s office at the Cebu City hall.

DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said former Cebu mayor Tomas Osmeña’s act could have been done in bad faith and affect the delivery of public services to residents of Cebu City.

Osmeña left the office bare, including floor tiles, rendering the office “unusable and completely bare.”

While Osmeña could have filed a claim for indemnification over the immovable improvements he introduced to the office, he could be held liable for clearing the whole office, Malaya said. 

“To strip the mayor’s office of everything is strange, uncalled for and could expose the mayor to legal action for violation of various laws, including Republic Act 3019, for causing injury to the government,” he said. 

Osmeña defended his action, claiming he spent his own money aside from contributions from his friends to renovate his office.

He said the city council, which was then headed by his successor, Mayor Edgar Labella, rejected his request for funds.