Court stops mayor from closing BDO branches in Cebu City

CEBU CITY — A court here has prohibited Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña from closing any BDO branch in the city.

Judge Gilbert Moises of Cebu City Regtional Trial Court Branch 18 also directed Osmeña to refrain from issuing any media statements against the bank.

In reaction, BDO issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon, saying: “With this Injunction Order, BDO looks forward to having its pending business permit applications in Cebu City be acted upon by the City Mayor, considering that BDO has submitted all the required documents needed by the City Government.”

“BDO assures its Cebu City branch personnel and clients that it has complied with legal requirements in ensuring continuing business and uninterrupted service in Cebu City, and this Injunction Order is an affirmation of its compliance,” the statement added.

Moises issued a writ of preliminary injunction on March 28, to enjoin Osmeña “from performing any act that leads to and/or causes the closure of BDO’s branches in Cebu City, including requiring information or document not prescribed by existing law and regulations, as well as making statements similar to those made in the newspapers.”

Lawyer Joseph Bernaldez, the city legal officer, confirmed receipt of the copy of the court issued injunction on Wednesday afternoon and said that the city would be seek a reconsideration of the order. /atm