Estrada team snubs formal turnover of documents
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2019 09:55:52 +0000
No official document nor record has been formally turned over to the transition team of Mayor-elect Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Friday, the last working day of the City of Manila’s outgoing administration.
The turnover of documents was scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on June 28, but no member of the transition team of outgoing Mayor Joseph Estrada was present.
Members of the Domagoso transition team were the only ones present at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
“They should make a formal turnover. Ang magiging problema natin d’yan ay properties. How can we be accountable to the properties if hindi matu-turn over formally,” incoming City Administrator Felix Espiritu told reporters on Friday.
“Handa ang Domagoso administration na hanapin ang mga dokumentong ito sa bawat departamento. He has a competent team,” incoming Chief of Staff Cesar Chavez said.
This despite the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 2019-39, which mandates all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors to create their respective local governance transition teams.
The memorandum mandates these transition teams to gather, secure and preserve all official documents, transactions and records for proper turnover if necessary.
“Non-compliance to the provisions of this Memorandum Circular shall be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and other pertinent issuances,” said Leah Peralta, officer-in-charge of DILG Manila, quoting the memorandum circular.
Peralta also said they will report to the main office of DILG that no turnover had occurred.
In an interview, outgoing Manila City Administrator Jojo Alconvedaz said all the needed documents are already complete.
“I have been prepared as early as two weeks ago. This will include the inventory properties including the six hospitals in the city. As early as May, pinrepare ko na ‘tong documents,” he said.
However, he said, the outgoing department heads do not want a formal turnover.
“I asked them if they want to come with me today, however, they just told me to ask somebody to receive the documents,” Alcovendaz said.
“It is not accurate to say that there is no proper turnover. We are prepared. We are not hiding something. The documents are all complete,” he added.
It can be recalled that Domagoso personally handed Estrada his request for the turnover of documents last June 17 at the Manila City Hall. (Erma Edera)