Cebu mayors express support for suspended Enad, Minglanilla council

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THE League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Cebu Chapter has expressed support for Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, Vice Mayor Elanito Peña, and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan following the filing of legal charges against them.

In a statement, LMP-Cebu emphasized its respect for the rule of law and the legal process while it also expressed confidence that due process will ensure a fair resolution.

“We remain confident that the legal process will afford every opportunity for the truth to be fully and fairly established, guided by justice, impartiality, and fidelity to the law,” LMP-Cebu said in a statement.

The group also acknowledged the weight of its mandate being in the public service, recognizing the Minglanilla officials’ commitment to serve its people.

“The challenges that accompany public office are often complex, and decisions made in pursuit of development and public service may, at times, become the subject of legal scrutiny,” LMP-Cebu added.

The Office of the Ombudsman recently announced that it has found probable cause to charge the suspended Enad, Peña, 10 members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and Municipal Administrator Junrie Bragat with graft for allegedly refusing to issue permits and approve a rehabilitation plan submitted by companies despite recommendations from environmental agencies.

The anti-graft body said the officials acted with evident bad faith, manifest partiality, or gross negligence, and gave undue advantage to competing entities.

The graft case has been filed before the Regional Trial Court in Naga City, Cebu.

The Minglanilla officials are currently serving a one-year preventive suspension.

To fill up the vacuum, first councilor Lheslen Enad is serving as the town’s acting mayor and Mulot Laput as acting vice mayor.(MyTVCebu)