DILG: No need to file charges vs Erap for not turning over docs to Isko Moreno

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday it sees no need to file administrative charges against former Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada for allegedly not turning over official city documents and records to his successor Mayor Isko Moreno.

DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that based on the investigation conducted by its regional office in Metro Manila, all the documents were turned over by Estrada’s transition team to the DILG Manila Field Office on June 28, which in turn forwarded the records to the new city administrator on July 2.

“Based on the results of the fact-finding investigation, we find no basis to file administrative charges against former Mayor Estrada as we have confirmed from a report submitted by our regional office that the required documents were endorsed by former City Administrator Ericson Alcovendaz to Mayor Moreno’s transition team and the DILG Manila Field Office on June 28, 2019,” Malaya said in a statement.

A turnover ceremony for the leadership of Moreno was supposed to be held on June 28, but this was cancelled after Estrada and members of his transition team did not appear at the event.

Moreno’s camp also claimed Estrada’s transition team failed to turn over the documents.

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

But according to Malaya, former City Administrator Ericson Alcovendaz forwarded the said documents to DILG City Director Atty. Rolynne Javier in the afternoon of June 28 after the staff of the incoming Secretary to the Mayor refused to receive the documents.

“Our DILG Manila Field Office reviewed and validated the transition documents and the same were forwarded to the Office of the City Administrator Felixberto Espiritu copy furnished the Office of the City Mayor on July 2, 2019,” he said.

The DILG earlier said it may consider filing administrative charges against Estrada if negligence was found on his part on the matter.

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

Malaya pointed out that “while Estrada and his team did not show up during the supposed turnover ceremony, what is important is that the transition documents have been turned over to his successor.” /muf