Confusion erupts as 2 chiefs sit at City Prosecutor's Office
Dismissed City Prosecutor Efrain Baldago spent the entire day yesterday locked in his office, even as Prosecutor Peter Dosado Baliao formally assumed as the new chief of the City Prosecutor's Office.
The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) found Baldago guilty of graft and ordered his dismissal. Pending finality of the decision, Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez at first ordered Baldago dismissed from service, then later issued an order detailing him to the office of the Regional State Prosecutor Domingo Laurea.
"I will continue discharging my duties and responsibilities as City Prosecutor," a defiant Baldago said during a press conference at his office late afternoon yesterday.
In the morning, Baliao took his oath before Laurea, after which he issued Office Order no. 1 announcing that he has assumed the office.
He said that he is now the rightful chief of the City Prosecutor's Office by virtue of the order of Gonzalez. Shortly after assuming office, Baliao signed several official documents.
I do not recognize him. I am still the city prosecutor, Baldago said in reaction to Baliao's assumption of office.
Interestingly, the Office of the City Prosecutor will be celebrating its Christmas party today. I will attend the party because I am still the city prosecutor, Baldago said.
When asked if his case is a repeat of what had happened to Gov. Niel Tupas, who was attempted to be physically removed from his office following a dismissal order from the Ombudsman January this year, Baldago answered, "your guess is as good as mine." Tupas is a relative of mine, he told reporters.
Earlier this month, the PAGC dismissed Baldago for graft, but he has yet to receive a copy of the decision.
Yesterday, members of the National Bureau of Investigation were at the ICPO. NBI regional director Jose Mario Sison attempted to enter the office of Baldago but was barred.
Baldago said that he talked to Sison, who said that they were there merely to see to it that everything is in order. They're not here to physically remove me, Baldago said.