Strictly Politics
The hiring of Grecilda “Gigi” Zaballero as consultant to Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, a source of irritation for Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, offers some interesting insights into the persona of the top Capitol official and of someone who is about to begin her work as personal consultant of the vice governor.
Gigi Zaballero is the eldest daughter of the late vice governor Greg Sanchez, Jr. She had been earlier tapped by Magpale as consultant for organic farming in official capacity but the idea of Gigi’s consultancy did not sit well with Gwen who made it plain by saying that only the governor can sign contracts. Magpale was attentive and sensitive enough not to tangle with Gwen, but the vice governor forced the issue by appointing Gigi as her personal consultant.
My layman understanding tells me the hiring of a consultant is both a duty and privilege of the vice governor. It is a duty because she would need professional advice in implementing projects under her authority. It is also a privilege in the sense that she is free to select who she thinks is the best man or woman for the job. In this context, the governor’s power to sign contracts, assuming they are above board and do no injury to the government, becomes ministerial.
When Gwen remarked that there’s a sense of déjà vu in Gigi’s appointment as consultant to the vice governor, it was in reference to the falling out between her and the late vice governor Greg Sanchez. In 2010 she declined to sign the contracts of Greg’s four consultants. Her refusal then emphasized her political power and although she had the upper hand, the issue later became the basis for Greg to file a complaint for usurpation of authority against the governor. That case remains pending in the office of the President.
So clearly, it’s not about the subject’s lack of credentials, because Gigi is a professional who has logged in thousands of hours in practical experience. Neither would hiring her services exceed the legislative budget because she opted to work without compensation. It’s strictly politics and although this is par for the course, this is taking politics rather too far.
First of all, the vice governor has already passed away and taking it out on his daughter is unfair. However, if blocking Gigi is meant to dilute her chances in 2013 assuming she’s running for a slot in the provincial board, then Gwen’s decision makes sense. The other reason would be in the matter of diluting the performance of vice governor Magpale after she is denied professional advice, but that is rather speculative.
In any case, I think Gwen made a miscalculation because after Gigi was denied official entry, so to speak, she managed to turn things around by agreeing to become Magpale’s personal assistant. The organic farming professional is reportedly is eager to report to the Capitol beginning this week and we know how interesting this is for the media. Gigi is expected to gain media mileage and imagine the impact if politics is in her mind. It’s like hitting one’s target without firing a shot.
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I wrote this piece while the country anxiously awaits the fate of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who boarded a light aircraft bound for Naga City when it crashed off the coast of Masbate last Saturday afternoon. He remains missing along with two pilots who manned the ill-fated Piper Sineca twin engine.
Robredo took off from Cebu after performing some official tasks and it was with Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado with whom he shared lunch that fateful day.
During that encounter, Robredo asked Mayor Alegado if Cebu had had bad weather in the last couple of days. I guess he was still reeling from the stress and fatigue brought about by national rescue operations after Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon was battered by intense monsoon rains.
Mayor Alegado recounted her meeting with Robredo during a live interview last Saturday evening and she answered this way, “Wala sir, kay pinangga sa Diyos ang Cebu” (No sir, because God loves Cebu). The reply must have floored the good secretary and made him smile as he decided to take a chartered flight back to Naga City under the best weather conditions.
The local official ended her radio interview with an appeal to offer vigil prayers for the good secretary’s safety and immediate rescue.
I posted mine in the social networking site. A few verses from Psalm 4 invoke God’s mercy with faith and trust in times of distress.
“Answer when I call, my saving God. In my troubles, you cleared a way; show me favor; hear my prayer.”
