SC Junks Petition vs. OPARR

Manila– The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed the petition questioning the legality of the creation of the office headed by Rehabilitation Czar Secretary Panfilo Lacson.

During the en banc session, the SC dismissed the petition filed by taxpayer Louis Biraogo ruling that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of President Benigno S. Aquino III when he issued Memorandum Order No. 62 creating the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR).

In the petition for certiorari filed by Biraogo, he argued that Memorandum Order No. 62 violates Republic Act No. 10121 that created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) believing there is no more need to create a new office to focus on the post-disaster rehabilitation programs of government. (PNA) LAM/PTR