Consolacion mayor questions contempt verdict

Local

THE mayor of Consolacion town, Cebu mantained innocence after a court found her guilty of indirect contempt over a civil case.

In a statement, Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado questioned the fairness of the court's ruling, stressing that her commitment to the welfare of Consolacion’s residents should not be construed as contempt.

She added her actions were made in defense of the municipality’s interests and property rights.

The charges stemmed from a dispute with Fooda Saversmart, which filed a petition after Alegado's office allegedly ignored court orders to remove barricades blocking access to their leased property in Barangay Poblacion.

Fooda argued that the mayor had erected the obstructions, which included a galvanized iron fence, in violation of the lease agreement.

The court ruled in favor of Fooda, instructing the mayor to clear the barriers, but Alegado maintained that her actions were motivated by the need to protect the municipality’s rights and were not an act of contempt.

Alegado questioned how actions aimed at protecting government rights and interests could be seen as malicious or criminal, expressing confusion over the decision.

She noted the irony of a party benefiting from violations of the municipality’s rights receiving a favorable court judgment despite their unlawful actions.

Alegado also addressed the issues with the lease agreement between the municipality and Fooda, emphasizing that the contract, which predates her administration, was highly unfavorable to the town.

The lease allowed Fooda to pay minimal rent despite making significant profits.

Alegado defended her actions, insisting they were in line with municipal resolutions and aimed at rectifying an unjust contract that undermined the municipality’s best interests.

The court ordered Alegado to pay a penalty of P30,000 if she has already complied with the writ of preliminary injunction. The mayor faces imprisonment if she fails to comply with the order.

Alegado maintained that she did not have any malicious intent behind her actions.

She explained that when the sheriff arrived to remove the barriers, she had already instructed for the fence to be taken down.

The court's decision, issued on December 19, 2024, also called for Alegado's custody until the obstructions were cleared. Despite the ruling, Alegado remained resolute and vowed to file a Motion for Reconsideration within the legal period.

Alegado expressed confidence that the ruling would not deter her from continuing to serve her constituents and promised to uphold her commitment to protecting their interests.

Her legal counsel, led by her lawyer Paulo Sucalit, confirmed they would explore all legal avenues available to challenge the decision.(MyTVCebu)