Editorial

A helpless city

The Iloilo City Government lost its case against former treasurer Romeo Manikan and several other residents of Barangay Concepcion for alleged pilferage.

The Court acquitted Manikan et al. for lack of evidence, which consist of now 'missing' pieces of electrical wires alleged to have been used in illegally tapping from City lines.

Several years back, the City also lost in a civil case for mandamus filed by Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes, Incorporated.

In its three-page decision, the Court pointed out that the City did not present evidence in the mandamus case. The decision was eventually elevated to the Supreme Court for a second look.

Although both cases are an ocean apart, there are striking similarities between the two.

First, the lawyer handling the cases were one and the same, Atty. Reynaldo Sonalan.

Second, the City lost because its counsel either failed or refused to present evidence.

Simply disappointing, not to mention ironic for a city headed by a lawyer mayor who happened to graduate from one of the country's top law schools.

Another thing, the lost cases put the City in a bad light and are setting a bad precedent.

Although the one sitting there at City Hall is a topnotch lawyer, it appears helpless to prosecute violations against it, or defends its actions.

It sends a rather 'inspiring' message that it is just fine to transgress the City anyway it is helpless to defend itself.

Because of these unfortunate events, the image of the City is as battered and dilapidated as City Hall.