Pasay City, Jan. 10, 1998 - Secretary of Interior and Local Government Robert Barbers yesterday ruled that ailing Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta could reassume his position.
Barbers explained that it is incumbent upon the vice mayor to assume the office of the mayor when the local executive is temporarily incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal reasons.
He added, however, that "When the mayor sends a written declaration that he has reported back to office, the vice mayor returns to his old position."
Barbers also stressed that only the 87-year-old Cuneta can determine if discharging his duties and functions as mayor.
"Neither the vice mayor nor the Sangguniang Panglungsod can declare the mayor as incompetent," Barbers said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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