Cebu City Mayor Orders Early Release Of Cash Aid To Seniors, PWDs As Suspension Looms

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the release of the financial assistance for the city’s senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the April 15 target, as he expects the implementation of the six-month suspension imposed on him and 13 other city officials by the Office of the President.

Rama said he still has to receive a copy of the decision on a case that stemmed from the release of Php20,000 calamity aid to all city officials and employees in late 2013 after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda.

But Rama and his lawyers said the suspension order against him, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 city councilors, is still not final, appealable and cannot be immediately implemented.

Under Administrative Order 23, which prescribes the rules and procedures on administrative disciplinary cases of elective local officials, they have 30 days to file a motion for reconsideration.

If the motion is denied, only then can Malacañang seek exemption from Comelec over the ban on suspension of elected officials during the campaign period.

“In view of the circumstances because we’ll never know what’s still coming, that (financial aid) has to be given,” he said.

The estimated 68,000 senior citizens in the city are set to get Php2,000 Tuesday, while the estimated 12,000 PWDs will get Php1,000 on Wednesday.

The distribution of the financial assistance will be held at the different barangay sports complexes in the city. (PNA) LDV/EB/EBP