'Amusing,' Deatras says on mayor's dismissal plea of admin raps
If there is anyone who should be in a hurry for case resolution, it should be him – the complainant cum plaintiff. As such, former Councilor Larry Deatras finds it really amusing that demand is made by the defending party.
Docketed as Administrative Case No. 2007-002, defendant is Santa Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino with the case lodged for grave abuse of authority, dereliction of duty and dishonesty.
"I still believe in the integrity of the Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) to proceed with fairness and equality in so far as administrative proceedings are concerned. They have given us our time to present our respective positions so let us give it time. I am really amused with the latest move of the defendant. Could it be a move of desperation for his part," Deatras said when reached by The News Today (TNT) for comment. "I should be the one who should demand for immediate resolution but I totally entrust that to the SP. I have submitted my complaint and corresponding evidences in support of such so with due respect to them, I will patiently wait."
The status of the case is not immediately clear though TNT sources said it was already up for final consideration of the board members. The 9th SP convened as a quasi-judicial body to hear and investigate the case.
Deatras shared further that a prior information was made by the SP to him and the defendant regarding the need to firm up Rules of Procedure on Administrative Proceedings.
It could be the cause of the "delay," he hinted while shrugging off the latest demand for dismissal of Mayor Maquino.
"It was even sought then by him and his counsels to have an extension on the reply period and twice I think it happened that I felt were delaying tactics but then again, my contention is that I have submitted myself and my case to the SP so let it be," Deatras continued while adding in jest, "I really should be the one who should request for immediate resolution…"