Is a suspension coming?
I think the legal team of Gov. Gwen Garcia is struggling to prevent the governor from suffering the consequences of graft charges filed in the Sandiganbayan in connection with the Capitol’s P98.9 million purchase of the Balili property.
You can tell this from the latest development – the issuance of a hold departure order against the governor and her seven co-accused.
They are probably worried thinking about what will come next. Would it be a preventive suspension order that will keep her out of office for good? I hear a suspension may follow in the next few weeks after the anniversary celebration of the Province of Cebu or by January so the freeze period lasts until her term ends in June.
This would mean Vice Gov. Agnes Magaple would have to take over for six months until their terms expire. It is indeed a cruel suspension that would keep Garcia out of power with her Senate campaign in progress.
That is why her legal team has to work harder to prevent it from happening.
* * *
I can’t understand why the Cebu City Council returned the proposed supplemental budget from the mayor’s office. The outlay is urgent and necessary especially for senior citizens, who were promised an increased subsidy.
The council inserted a contingency budget to compel payment of the money claim of the Rallos heirs despite the decision of the Court of Appeals. We have a mayor who is trying his best to protect the coffers of the city from unnecessary payment in a legal dispute yet the council acts to the contrary, to ensure payment to Rallos heirs with no rightful claim in ongoing court proceedings.
Why is the council so interested to pay the Rallos heirs? First, an important convenio was not disclosed by the previous administration in the court case. Now the council is in a rush to pay. I think there is something irregular here that should be looked into by government agencies.
* * *
I do not know if this could be treated as another controversy hounding the governor.
The Commission on Audit has asked the Provincial board for the minutes of the session where the body approved P 29 million in aid given to storm stricken localities like Ilocos Norte, Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro.
Vice Governor Magpale told the PB secretary to tell COA that there were no minutes because the release of the aid as donations by the governor wasn’t deliberated on by the board.
Her answer in a way irked the governor, who was quick to answer the COA question.. It is unfortunate that what used to be a cordial and harmonious relationship between the two top officials is now a thing of the past because of political realignments in the province.
Many are hoping this will not impair the delivery of basic services to the people.
* * *
In Cebu’s 6th district, the opposite is happening. Most political leaders, especially in Mandaue City, have aligned with the Liberal Party, including Provincial Board Member Teddy Ouano.
In my TV interview in My Politics, Rep. Luigi Quisumbing said he joined the L:ibral Party because he believes in what President Aquino stands for and was happy that political leaders in his district are under one roof.
Apparently the administration is enjoying a smooth relationship with 6th district leaders such that no opponents have surfaced so far to challenge the incumbents.
Mandaue City is enjoying the fruits of a united political alignment with Lollipop Ouano finally joining the administration party of Mayor Jonas Cortes.
