THE head of City Hall’s demolition forces is taking a one month “sabbatical” to visit family abroad, said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama amid a threat from political critics to file a case against her for the series of evictions of illegal settlers.
Raquel Arce of the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Order (Probe) team said she would go to the US to accompany her elderly parents who are visiting her sisters who live in Minnesotta.
Arce said she asked for a three-month leave two months ago but Mayor Rama granted only one month.
Arce said it may be extended by the mayor depending on the performance of her assistant Wendell Cenas.
“Nobody is indispensable. We also have to feel Probe without Raquel,” the mayor said.
Probe came under fire from the Cebu City Council over the demolition of over 20 structures in a road lot in Ma. Cristina road, brgy Capitol Site.
THREAT TO SUE
Former Cebu City mayor and congressman Tomas Osmeña said he’s preparing a case of usurpation of authority and illegal demolition against Arce for last month’s demolition of several structures along Ma. Cristina Road in barangay Capitol Site.
The demolition was intended to facilitate the road restoration of F. Ramos St. extension.
“This is because of the clamour of the victims of demolition in barangay Capitol Site. Arce should answer in court why she conducted the demolition illegally,” Osmeña said in a phone interview.
He said he didn’t go after the residents who claimed to have lived there since the 1960s during his time as mayor.
“During my administration, I never touched the residents. I left them alone. The road was never in the possession of the city. It belonged to the Osmeña clan,” he said.
Arce said she’s not alarmed by the prospect of facing charges to be filed by Osmeña.
“Where did I do something illegal?
I had a clearing order from the mayor. I’m just an obedient public servant. It’s not my discretion,” she said when sought for comment.