Asenso Manileño, the dominant ruling party in Manila, scored a major victory after the Manila Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 40 denied ‘for lack of merit’ a petition for a temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction filed by Councilor Joel Villanueva against Vice Mayor Yul Servo and the councilors from the majority.
Manila Congressman Rolan Valeriano (2nd district), in his capacity as a ranking official of the party, made the announcement, saying the court gave credence to the documents and testimonies presented by the Asenso Manileño councilors and stated that Villanueva, who was joined in his action by councilors who are not with the ruling party, failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate their petitiion seeking a stop to the reassignment of committees at the Manila City Council.
He stressed: “Habang lubog sa baha ang Maynila at humahagupit ang bagyo, nasaan ang mga ‘konsehal’ na ito? Hindi nagpakita. Hindi tumulong. Imbes na gampanan ang tungkulin, mas pinili nilang gumawa ng eksena sa media. Panay acting na kunwari inapi sila. Manang-mana talaga sa sinasamba nilang poon ng Yabang’s Choice.”
Valeriano said steps are expected to be taken by both sides, but that that the Asenso Manileño is taking its victory:“Asahan na natin ang susunod nilang galaw — paninira, fake news, chismis, at pagbaluktot sa katotohanan. Ganyan na ganyan ang style nila.”
“Their obstructionist stance toward Asenso Manileño in the City Council failed miserably. Their attitude and work ethic on local governance show how they intend to block future decisions of the City Council and stand in the way of public service and progress,” the Congressman added.
The Congressman-reelectionist assured the residents of Manila that despite the numerous attempts by political rivals, the administration of Mayor Honey Lacuna and Servo will not allow anyone to derail the delivery of the best services for the people of Manila.
He said: “Sa kabila ng mga balakid na pilit inihaharang ng mga kampon ng Yabang’s Choice sa Konseho ng Maynila, kami po sa Asenso Manileño ay hindi magpapatinag sa pagtupad ng aming mandatong pagsilbihan ang mga Manileño. We will overcome evil.”
