Erap fails to turnover Manila city gov’t documents to Isko Moreno

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada failed to turnover official city government documents and records to incoming city mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

The turnover ceremony was scheduled at 10:30 a.m. at the VIP Lounge of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Friday. The event was canceled after Estrada and members of transition team did not appear.

“The turnover of documents was scheduled at 10:30 am on Friday, June 28, but no member of the transition team of outgoing Mayor Joseph Estrada was present. Only members of the Domagoso transition team were present,” Moreno’s camp said in a statement.

Incoming Manila City Administrator Felix Espiritu appealed to the camp of Estrada to create a formal turnover as it may pose a problem for their accountability of government properties.

“They should make a formal turnover. Ang magiging problema natin dyan ay properties. How can we be accountable to the properties if hindi matu-turn over formally,” Espiritu told reporters in Manila City Hall in a briefing.

According to Memorandum Circular No. 2019-39 of the Department of the Interior and Local Goverment, all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors are mandated to conduct their respective local governance transition teams.

The memorandum also requires transition teams to “gather, secure and preserve all official documents, transactions and records for proper turnover if necessary.”

Leah Peralta, DILG Manila officer in charge said she will report the canceled turnover ceremony to the DILG main office. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)