Adverse measure vs John Yre has no force, DILG says

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government said that the resolution declaring City Administrator John Yre De los Reyes as persona non grata does not have the force and effect of law.

Lawyer Ayesh Nogra, DILG-7 legal officer, said the resolution is merely an expression of the council's sentiment against De los Reyes.

But Nogra said that if resolution to declare him as persona non grata curtails or infringe his basic political and civil rights, De los Reyes can challenge the resolution in a proper forum.

Earlier, Talisay City Council passed a resolution that sought to declare De los Reyes an unwelcome person in his own city.

City Councilor Aldin Diaz introduced the measure last week during their regular session, allegedly following John Yre's posts on the social media and his statements over his paid radio program.

In his resolution, Diaz said the city administrator has been criticizing the council harshly and making up stories which he said were "unethical, unprincipled, and immoral."

Diaz claimed that John Yre called him "bayot" or gay and mocked with his wife and family.

In his resolution, he cited Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees which states that "public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill."

John Yre is the son of the sitting Mayor Johnny De los Reyes. He was appointed city administrator by the 5th Sangguniang Panlungsod in 2013.

Mayor JVR's allies at the council, City Councilors Val Ylanan and Dennis Basillote, voted against the measure, but their votes were overshadowed by the majority.

Through a text message, John Yre told The FREEMAN the council's move is hinted with politics and is therefore "unreasonable and irrelevant."

He said it is a clear abuse of authority.

"Thus, the action made by the council is unconstitutional and without basis. Furthermore, it is a ground for me to file a legal action (before) the proper agency," John Yre said, adding that he will make as his evidence the copy of the resolution that will be furnished to him. (FREEMAN)