Davao Court issues ‘Show Cause Order’ against Acosta and Lawyer for misleading press statement

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Regional Trial Court Branch 15, presided over by Judge Mario P. Duaves, has issued a “Show Cause Order” directed at ousted Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Maria Belen Acosta and her lawyer, Israelito Torreon. They are required to explain within ten days why they should not be cited in contempt for allegedly misinterpreting the court’s order.

Judge Duaves’ strongly worded order, dated June 4, 2024, was confirmed by Atty. Kaiser Kate C. Narciso, Clerk of Court, on June 5, to Newsline Philippines.

In the order, Duaves stated, “Your ‘Official Statement’ contains extremely incorrect facts that corrupted the true nature and substance of the court-issued orders and processes, by declaring among others that the dismissal order of your quo warranto was ‘reversed’ and your motion for reconsideration on that matter was ‘granted’ by this court.”

The order was prompted by Acosta’s social media post on Monday, June 3, 2024. In her post, Acosta claimed that the court had granted her motion for reconsideration and ordered the opposing party to respond within 15 days. According to Judge Duaves, this statement misrepresented the court’s decision, causing public confusion and undermining the administration of justice.

Here is the full text of Judge Duaves’ order:

“Yesterday evening, June 3, 2024 (Monday), an ‘Official Statement’ circulated on various online platforms and posted in different media outlets appeared to have been issued and caused to be published from your end. Your ‘Official Statement’ contains extremely incorrect facts that corrupted the true nature and substance of the court-issued orders and processes, by declaring among others that the dismissal order of your quo warranto was ‘reversed’ and your motion for reconsideration on that matter was ‘granted’ by this court.

In doing so, you have caused unnecessary confusion to the public, amounting to an improper conduct tending to degrade the administration of justice and judicial processes of this court.

Wherefore, as herein respondents, you are hereby directed to submit within ten (10) days from receipt hereof, your written explanation under oath and show cause why you will not be cited in contempt. Within the same period, you are likewise ordered to take down such pretentious ‘Official Statement’ from your social media and similar platforms and/or cause it to be removed from all social media outlets.

Failure to comply with these directives within the prescribed period shall be deemed a waiver and shall constrain this court to impose penalties provided under the Rules. The OCCR-RTX XI is directed to serve this order promptly to the named respondents.”

Judge Duaves emphasized that Acosta and her lawyer misled the public and distorted the court order, causing confusion and disrespect towards the judicial processes.

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This development is significant amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the leadership changes in MinDA. Acosta’s removal from her position in favor of Leo Magno has sparked public and political debates, highlighting the intense scrutiny and high stakes involved in the agency’s governance.-Editha Z. Caduaya