Radaza isn’t giving up office at City Hall

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City lone district Rep. Paz Radaza is not giving up her office at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall  despite a third order for her to vacate and despite the city government having already padlocked the room.

"I am not relinquishing the possession of the district office. I am maintaining possession thereof… I regret I cannot again heed your notice to vacate City Hall premises,” reads Radaza’s response to the notice of Mayor Junard Chan for her to vacate.

With the office padlocked, Radaza’s staff still reported to work yesterday and stationed right outside the office. They continued to give assistance to city residents on medical matters, internship programs, and skills training with TESDA, among others.

Paz reiterated that Chan’s order for her to vacate violates Ordinance No. ?14-200-2019, which provides for office space at City Hall for the city’s representative to Congress.?

Radaza also said that the opinion of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) that the ordinance is invalid and ineffective is merely an opinion.

"There is nothing in that DILG opinion that directs me to vacate the district office," Radaza said.

She added that Radaza’s notice to vacate is “contemptuous and a manifestation of utter disrespect to the judiciary,” considering that the matter has already been elevated to court.

She said the case is public knowledge and the DILG has been informed about it on July 15, 2019.

Chan’s letter to Radaza reads: "You are hereby given this final notice to remove your furniture and fixtures within the business hours of August 13, 2019."

The mayor said failure to comply with the directive will force the city to remove Radaza’s belongings from the office and transfer them to the custody of the General Services Office.

The office in question has long been used as a legislative district office during the time of Radaza’s husband, Arturo, and daughter, Aileen, when both sat in Congress. (FREEMAN)