Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Mabel Sunga-Acosta’s fight is not over.
An adamant Acosta announced on social media on Monday that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) has granted a Motion for Reconsideration for the dismissed quo warranto petition she earlier filed.
Acosta, who was terminated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for lack of trust and confidence last month, said the RTC has ordered the other party to respond in 15 days.
“This is the curious case of Mindanao Development Authority having two appointed Secretaries for the same position. The post is not vacant, not co-terminus, neither a position of trust as its mandate is clearly defined in RA 9996, and presently occupied. Yet, another person was appointed with no prior formal notification from Malacañang. Due process was not followed, and no clear “cause” was established,” Acosta said.
President Marcos Jr. appointed Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) Secretary Leo Tereso Abellera Magno as the new chair of MinDA. Magno’s appointment letter was signed by the President on May 13, 2024.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a letter to Acosta on May 22, 2024, informing the latter that she would be replaced effective and valid upon the assumption of her successor in office, Magno, on May 21, 2024.
Bersamin added in his letter that Acosta was terminated by Marcos due to loss of trust and confidence.
However, Acosta insisted on staying as MinDA chair citing Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9996, or the Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010, that “the Chairperson shall serve a term of six (6) years from the date of his/her appointment, unless removed for cause.”
“The undersigned stands by the letter and intent of Republic Act 9996 or the MinDA Act of 2010 which expressly states in Section 7, “he/she shall serve a term of six years upon appointment unless removed for cause,” it said.
Acosta said while the case is ongoing, she will perform her duties with regularity so as not to hinder the day-to-day operations of the office.
“Let not the prevailing laws of the land be undermined and set aside. Let the ideals of good governance manifest and the principles of democracy be safeguarded at all times,” she said.
