ESGANA (RIGHT)
YOUTH groups in Sta. Fe town, Bantayan Island, northern Cebu filed a complaint against Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana for failing to act on their request to use its sports complex for a candidates’ forum last April 22.
The complainants requested the Ombudsman-Visayas to investigate and hold Esgana liable for violating Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act, and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
“Fifteen days after the mayor’s office received our letter-request, we have not received any letter explaining why we were denied use of the Sports Complex,” they said in their complaint.
Mayor Esgana said in a text message sent to Cebu Daily News that he did not receive a letter asking permission for the use of their sports complex.
He said he received an invitation to attend the forum three to four days before it was held.
“No proper representation (was made as) to what group (was) representing. Even the Commission on Elections has no communication to us since it will involve (a) political forum or debate,” Esgana’s text message read.
The mayor said he asked the complainants to submit to his office an endorsement letter issued by a legitimate organization that is organizing the candidates’ forum.
Esgana also questioned the presence of environment lawyer Antonio Oposa in the candidates’ forum.
Esgana said that unless a legitimate organizer would own to organizing the candidates’ forum, the municipal government cannot guarantee their safety.
“Simple protocol lang,” he said.