The Manila Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 40 has dismissed a petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and Writ of Preliminary Injunction filed by Councilor Joel Villanueva against Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo Nieto" and members of Manila's dominant ruling party Asenso.
The court's decision favored the ruling party, citing the insufficiency of evidence presented by Villanueva and other non-Asenso Manileño councilors in challenging the reassignment of committees within the Manila City Council.
Manila Congressman Rolan Valeriano, a key official of the Asenso Manileño party, confirmed the court's ruling, stating that the testimonies and documents submitted by the Asenso Manileño councilors were compelling.
He noted that Villanueva, along with councilors from opposing factions, failed to provide adequate evidence to support their petition.
“Habang lubog sa baha ang Maynila at humahagupit ang bagyo, nasaan ang mga ‘konsehal’ na ito? Hindi nagpakita. Hindi tumulong. Imbes na gampanan ang tungkulin, mas pinili nilang gumawa ng eksena sa media. Panay acting na kunwari inapi sila. Manang-mana talaga sa sinasamba nilang poon ng Yabang’s Choice (In the midst of the flood and storms that have hit Manila, where were these councilors?” Valeriano questioned. “They didn’t show up to help. Instead of fulfilling their duties, they chose to create media spectacles and pretend they were being oppressed. They are merely imitating the actions of their so-called 'idol' in Yabang's Choice),” he added, referring to political figures from the rival faction.
Although Valeriano did not rule out potential future actions, he emphasized that Asenso Manileño was celebrating its legal victory.
He further criticized the opposition's approach, asserting that their efforts to obstruct Asenso Manileño in the City Council had failed.
“Their obstructionist stance toward Asenso Manileño in the City Council failed miserably. Their attitude and work ethic on local governance show how they intend to block future decisions of the City Council and stand in the way of public service and progress.”
Valeriano assured the people of Manila that despite ongoing challenges from political opponents, the administration of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Nito will remain focused on delivering the best possible services to the city's residents.
"Sa kabila ng mga balakid na pilit inihaharang ng mga kampon ng Yabang’s Choice sa Konseho ng Maynila, kami po sa Asenso Manileño ay hindi magpapatinag sa pagtupad ng aming mandatong pagsilbihan ang mga Manileño. We will overcome evil (Despite the attempts of those aligned with Yabang’s Choice to create barriers in the Manila City Council, Asenso Manileño will not waver in fulfilling our mandate to serve the people of Manila. We will persevere) ," he declared.
The Manila RTC Branch 40 ultimately denied Villanueva's petition, citing a "lack of merit" in the case.