At least three government prosecutors are reportedly vying to become the next City Prosecutor of Cebu City following the retirement of Nicolas Sellon.
Sellon, who turned 62 last Sept. 10, opted to take an early retirement which takes effect today.
Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane designated Assistant City Prosecutor Ma. Luisa Ratilla as officer-in-charge.
“Fiscal Ratilla is the most senior among the prosecutors in Cebu City. She’s next in rank to Prosecutor Sellon. Hence, she will act as OIC to address immediate concerns in the office,” Sellon explained.
Sellon assumed the position of Cebu City Prosecutor in July 2005 replacing Cesar Tajanlangit who resigned in early 2005.
President Aquino will appoint Sellon’s successor upon the recommendation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
Government prosecutors are under the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice.
“I’m not sure of the time frame. But, from experience, the president can take his time to select among the applicants,” Sellon said.
Reportedly in the running for the post are Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro, among those who are re Assistant Cebu City Prosecutors Liceria Lofranco-Rabillas and Aida Sanchez.
“The position of Cebu City prosecutor is very important. There’s no time frame as to when the president will announce his choice. But it has to be done immediately,” Gubalane said.
“I would prefer having an insider to be the next Cebu City chief prosecutor. I’m sure we have several insiders who are qualified for the position,” Gubalane added.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1275, which created the National Prosecution Service, the city or provincial prosecutor shall be “in the actual practice of the legal profession for at least five years prior to their appointment; and among the qualified and professionally trained members of the legal profession who are of proven integrity and competence.”
The Cebu City chief prosecutor is the “law officer of the city” who has the power to “investigate all charges of crimes, misdemeanors and violations of all penal laws and ordinances, and have the necessary information or complaint prepared or made against the persons accused.”
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