DAVAO CITY – Former Mindanao Development Authority head Maria Belen “Mabel” Sunga Acosta is resolute in her decision to seek legal action after her abrupt dismissal from what was believed to be a six-year position at the agency.

FORMER Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Maria Belen ‘Mabel’ Sunga-Acosta holds a press conference in her office on the 14th floor of the Pryce Tower building in Davao City on Friday, May 24. (Ivy Tejano)

While the newly appointed MinDA chairman, Leo Tereso Magno, held a meeting on the 10th floor of the Pryce Tower building, where MinDA holds office, on Friday afternoon, May 24, Acosta had a press conference in her office on the 14th floor of the building. 

Acosta declared that she would remain in her position and said they had already filed a quo warranto petition in court. However, she did not reveal her legal actions in detail due to the need to safeguard the agency’s reputation.

She said she was forced to pursue legal action to ensure the MinDA’s normal operations were not disrupted while she was in charge. She added several things to do, such as managing financial obligations, making decisions, and executing projects and policies.

Under court rules, the government can begin quo warranto proceedings against an individual who “usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully occupies or exercises a public office.” The petition for quo warranto can also be filed against a higher government office.

“I have no quarrel with the stand of the other camp that the President has the authority to appoint because that is correct. There is no question on that matter. But, regarding the term of office and removal, we go back to the point of the MinDA law,” Acosta said.

Section 7 of Republic Act 9996, or the Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010, states that the chairperson “shall serve a term of six years from the date of his/her appointment unless removed for cause.”

Acosta said she believes the law is on her side as RA 9996 is evident in the agency’s mandate and the chairperson’s term. She added that she had no pending civil, administrative, or criminal cases before the proper courts.

“Honestly, I had the biggest shock of my life. I cannot bear the embarrassment and humiliation…I pray that the case will be handled by people who deeply understand the law and have the heart and compassion for public servants like me,” she said.

Acosta said this is the first time in the country's history that a Cabinet position that is not vacant and already occupied was assigned to another person. She added that she could not fathom why there was another appointment for the same post she had.

NEWLY appointed Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Leo Tereso Magno speaks to the media after a meeting in the MinDA offices on the 10th floor of the Pryce Tower building in Davao City on Friday, May 24. (Ivy Tejano)

Magno, in a separate interview on Friday, acknowledged Acosta’s decision to pursue legal action, emphasizing that he would not take it personally as she has the right to resolve the matter in court.

He held his first meeting with MinDA office heads after taking over the position from Acosta. After a two-hour meeting, Magno expressed relief that MinDA continues to operate effectively despite the ongoing “power struggle” within the agency.

“I am familiarizing myself with the different functions of the offices. I have learned that MinDA, as outlined in its charter – and I want to give credit to Secretary Mabel – is a well-functioning office with excellent staff,” Magno said.

Magno said he is willing to have a one-on-one talk with his predecessor, his original intention before the news of his appointment came to light. He added that his desire to talk with Acosta remains.

Acosta said it would be futile talking to Magno now, considering that he already accepted the appointment as the new MinDa chair. She reminded her staff to stay the course and not let the current situation hinder their responsibilities.

Magno, while praying that there would be a dialogue between him and Acosta to resolve the matter, vowed to execute his duties as the appointed chair of the MinDA. He said he took an oath and is bound to perform the responsibilities expected of him.