Abuse of temporary authority

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Only a few days after he assumed office as acting mayor of Pasay City with the suspension of the duly-elected one, vice mayor Allan Panaligan is showing that the new powers that he is now enjoying may be too much for him. The report, if true, is a very dangerous sign in a politician. A security guard has accused Panaligan of abuse of authority and of threatening him. This was after the guard had reportedly failed to open the gate for him and his men when they went to the Leg Hauling Security Detachment to inquire about its garbage collection services.

The guard reported that the acting mayor, alighting from his vehicle, shouted at him (in Tagalog): "Don't you know who I am, I am now the mayor. Why did you make me wait outside, are you capable of answering for whatever may happen to me outside?"

As the guard recorded in his company incident report, Panaligan then ordered his companions to confiscate the guard's identification card, his security license and service firearm.

Then he told the security guard to redeem his things at the Pasay City Hall.

Obviously the head of the company where the "acting" mayor had exhibited this behavior is not one to be intimidated by official arrogance. He is now assisting his employee, the security guard, in preparing the appropriate charges to file against Panaligan before the Ombudsman.

Nowhere in the report about the incident published in the Philippine Star is there mention of an explanation from Panaligan about why he had behaved that way, nor a denial of what he allegedly said and did. All he said was that he was discussing with his lawyers possible action he can take against George Bang-a, the hapless security guard.

This is another case worth watching, and which, we hope, would serve as a reminder to other people who may allow themselves to get intoxicated even with temporarily bestowed power.*