Radaza suspended
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division, through the Department of Interior and Local Government-7, meted Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza a 90-day preventive suspension effective yesterday over the alleged misuse of P15 million in pork barrel funds in 2002.
During a press conference at her residence in Barangay Mactan, Radaza said she personally went to the DILG-7 to get the Sandiganbayan order.
“I just got a call last week sa akong lawyer nga naa ang preventive suspension order. This has long been reported, sa Girl Scout (issue) man ni,” Radaza told reporters.
Radaza remains tight-lipped about the matter, and said she will let her lawyer do legal remedies such as filing a motion for reconsideration.
“In this regard, you are hereby directed to comply with this Order of Suspension by vacating your office, and consequently cease the performance of powers and functions appurtenant thereto, immediately upon receipt hereof,” part of the order read.
Radaza said she can do nothing but heed the agency’s order.
“Madali ra man gud na ang 90 days suspension,” she added.
Yesterday morning, Radaza also met with the City Council and the City Hall department heads to talk about the order.
For the duration of her suspension, Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong will be the acting mayor and first councilor Harry Radaza will be the acting vice mayor.
Radaza also assured the services and programs of the city government will not be affected by her suspension.
“Dili man ma-affected ang services sa city. Naa ra si Vice (Mayor Marcial Ycong). I openly discussed it to him. Ang mga department heads naa sad sila dinha, mag-serve ilahang function (for the city residents),” she added.
Since Radaza will be out of office for three months, she said she will take the chance to rest after looking after major events such as the Miss Universe swimwear presentation, the processing of business renewal permits, and the recent basketball tournament of the PBA last Saturday.
“It doesn’t stop me from there and in serving the Oponganons. I’ll go around and do something,” she said.
The case stemmed from the alleged misappropriation of P15 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of then Cebu fourth district representative Clavel Martinez.
Martinez, according to the Office of the Ombudsman, had allocated funds for an anti-drug campaign of the Girls Scout of the Philippines, but the funds were not reflected in the organization’s financial and audit reports.
Martinez was then president of the GSP-Cebu Council while Radaza was the treasurer.
Aside from Martinez and Radaza, Julieta Quiño, GSP cashier designate; Alejandrita Meca, GSP executive director; and GSP bookkeeper Rhodairza Kilantang were also charged.
Radaza filed a motion for reconsideration in November 2015 and again on May 4, 2016 but both were denied.