SC issues TRO in favor of ex-Cebu City admin facing raps for garbage collection mess

The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of a former Cebu City administrator who is facing graft and malversation charges over a P239 million garbage collection anomaly.

In a three-page order, the SC First Division issued a TRO preventing the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with two cases against petitioner Floro Casas Jr. as soon as he posts a P1 million bond.

“[E]ffective immediately, and continuing until further orders from this Court, you, respondent Sandiganbayan and/or all persons acting upon your orders or, in your place or stead are hereby enjoined from further proceeding,” it said.

Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman in February found probable cause against Casas and seven others for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds over a P239 million anomaly in garbage collection.

In October, the Ombudsman denied Casas’ partial motion for reconsideration.

This prompted Casas to file the petition for certiorari with urgent prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction) against the Ombudsman resolution.

Meanwhile, the High Court said Casas’ petition is still undergoing evaluation despite the grant of the TRO.

“[W]ithout giving due course thereto, resolved to require the respondents to comment thereon (not to file a motion to dismiss), within 10 days from notice,” it said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News