DILG mulls filing of raps vs Erap if negligence found in docs turnover

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will consider the filing of administrative charges against former Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada if it is proven that he was negligent in not turning over official city government documents to elected Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, however, refused to state what charges will be filed against Estrada as the department has yet to formally investigate the matter.

“If it is proven that if there was negligence on the part of Mayor Estrada to turn over the documents, we may, we will also consider filing charges against the former mayor,” he said in a press briefing.

Malaya said it is the responsibility of any outgoing mayor to help organize the transition team for the new mayor, and to turn over city government documents and records to the new administration.

The turnover ceremony for Moreno was scheduled Friday last week but it was canceled as Estrada and members of the transition team were not present.

“Only members of the Moreno transition team were present,” Moreno’s camp earlier said in a statement.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)