DAVAO CITY — Tension gripped the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) office this morning, May 27, as newly appointed chairperson Leo Magno and ousted chairperson Maria Belen Acosta attended the Monday flag ceremony together.
Acosta arrived at the Prycetower building along J.P. Laurel Avenue with her husband Rey, who is also an employee of the agency, at around 7:30 AM. Her presence surprised the staff as it marked her first in-person attendance at the Monday flag ceremony since assuming office in 2022. Previously, she had participated via Zoom and issued instructions online.
Acosta proceeded to Horton Hall, where the ceremony is usually held, engaging directly with the staff in person for the first time. Meanwhile, the executive committee convened to manage the situation, preparing for the worst-case scenario. To prevent further division among the staff, a calm Magno chose to stay in another office, allowing the flag ceremony to proceed peacefully.
Acosta greeted and shook hands with every employee, reminiscent of a campaign rally. She has refused to step down, holding office pending the resolution of the Quo Warranto case she filed before the Regional Trial Court last week. “She attended for the first time ever,” an employee remarked.
Acosta was accompanied by her husband Rey, while her son Ian Rey arrived later. Both men are among the 140 MinDA employees.
Magno, who arrived shortly before the scheduled 8:00 AM flag ceremony, waited in his room for the ceremony to finish to avoid escalating the situation. He remained in the conference room.
Photos and videos captured the confused faces of MinDA employees, who remained silent about the situation.
In her message, Acosta reiterated her call for employees “to stay the course,” asserting that the law is on her side and that justice will prevail. She also posted a photo on her social media account of her signing documents with the caption, “Manatiling matatag at magpatuloy MinDA! ☀️ Magtrabaho tayo ng tapat sa bayan para sa integrated development ng Mindanao ayon sa mandato ng Republic Act 9996. ❤️ Praying and trusting in God, that all will be resolved.”
Magno told Newsline, “We need to respect the flag. We serve one Mindanao, one country, one flag. Further dividing the staff will affect the operations of the office. I don’t want that to happen. We need to forge together for the good of Mindanao and the country in general. We are all Mindanaoans and Filipinos. We must serve the people in the best way we can.”
“Honoring the flag is a patriotic act for every Filipino,” Magno added.
After the flag ceremony the executive committee went to Magno for a meeting and briefing.
With payday approaching, employees are left wondering whose signature will prevail since the case is still pending in court. The letter of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stipulating the ouster of Acosta was furnished to Commission on Audit Chairperson Atty. Gamaliel Cordoba.
