Video by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay on Tuesday asked the Court of Appeals to cite in contempt Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and several others for defying the temporary restraining order issued against the implementation of his suspension order.
In a 10-page petition, aside from Roxas, also asked to be cited in contempt were Renato Brion, DILG-NCR Director; Carmelo Valmoria, Director of the Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO); Henry Ranola, Director of the Southern Police District; Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias and Makati Vice Mayor Romulo “Kit” Pena.
READ: Junjun Binay wants Roxas et al cited in contempt over city hall ‘commotion’
Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
“In the face of the persistent and wanton refusal of Respondents to honor and comply with the lawful order of this Honorable Court, there is therefore an urgent need to cite Respondents for indirect contempt and immediately met out the appropriate punishment on them until they shall have complied with the TRO,” the petition read.
Binay said the continued refusal to obey the restraining order “is a clear defiance of this Honorable Court’s authority and dignity and tends to bring the administration of justice into disrespect.”
“Such action should not be countenanced by this Honorable court,” the petition stated.
The appeals court issued the 60-day restraining order against the Ombudsman’s six months suspension order imposed against Binay in connection with the alleged overpriced Makati Parking Building.
READ: Appellate court gives Makati mayor Binay 60-day relief
But despite the issuance of the TRO, policemen still appeared and barricaded the Makati City Hall.
Roxas argued that the restraining order is already moot since Pena already took his oath of office.
READ: DILG: Binay remains suspended
“Petitioner’s rights pursuant to the aforesaid TRO ought to be upheld and the terms therein enforced, if the said rights are to be enjoyed at all.”
“It must be further be stressed that the continued threat of unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury suffered not only by Petitioner [Binay] but by his constituents in the City of Makati,” the petition stated.