COUNCILOR CUENCO EAGER TO RETURN

The formerly dismissed official is wondering what’s taking the Department of the Interior and Local Government so long to reinstate him in the Cebu City Council

Formerly dismissed Cebu City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco has six more months before his term expires, but he is still determined to continue serving the city’s residents.

“With a few months left for me, I will double my time in making up for the lost time,” he said.

In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Cuenco said they have exerted efforts to follow up his reinstatement before the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Prerequisite

“We are trying to find out what’s causing the delay,” he said.

An order from the DILG is needed before Cuenco can officially return to office.

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Cuenco from public service last year for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty for allegedly using falsified documents in disbursing public funds.

The Court of Appeals, though, overturned his dismissal last October.

When the anti-graft office dismissed Cuenco, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Erik Espina to replace him.

Espina was recommended by then Barug Team Rama, now Partido Barug, through the United Nationalist Alliance.

Last week, Espina tendered his irrevocable resignation to pave the way for Cuenco’s return.

Espina will only remain in his post until Jan. 1.

Cuenco hopes he can assume office by the end of December or the start of January.

We are trying to find out what’s causing the delay. JAMES ANTHONY CUENCO, in following up his reinstatement before the Department of the Interior and Local Government