The former head of Osk is stepping down, “challenging” the mayor

COVERING Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, the former head of the Office of the Elderly (Osca) allegedly disrupted the office and issued unauthorized orders to staff.

In response, current Osca CEO Chito Aragon filed charges of harassment, intimidation, coercion, and usurpation against Homer Mariano Cabral, alleging that Cabral infiltrated the office, manipulated employees, and disrupted workflow while claiming he was still the rightful supervisor.

On Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, Aragon said he would gather a police report and file an incident report with the city administrator’s office.

According to Aragon, the incidents began on Wednesday, October 23, when Cabaral entered Osca’s office, telling employees that he remained in charge. Cabral returned the next day, leaving the staff in doubt as to whose authority to follow.

Cabaral’s claim is based on the belief that Mayor Michael Rama’s firing was invalid, which would preserve his concurrent contract.

Aragón explained that Cabaral insisted on becoming Osca’s chairman and instructed staff to have him sign all the documents, which disrupted work twice and caused confusion.

In a phone call, Cabaral argued that Garcia did not have the authority to fire the female employees and that Rama’s term had not officially expired, saying, “That’s the issue we’re standing by — the case is not final.”

Mayor Garcia explained that Mayor Mike’s term of office will expire upon the termination of the powers associated with the appointment: “As Mayor Mike’s term of office expires through the dismissal of the Ombudsman, his authority also terminates.”

He emphasized that the decision of the ombudsman is implemented, despite possible appeals.

Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., chairman of the Committee on Senior Citizens, confirmed that Aragon’s report was sent to the relevant offices, noting that on October 23, the council nominated Mikel Rama to the council position, confirming Garcia as mayor.

The dispute arose after the ombudsman’s decision on October 3 to fire Rama and bar him from public office for nepotism and serious misconduct in the hiring of two brothers-in-law to work at City Hall. / JPS