The Court of Appeals 12th Division did not issue a Temporary Restraining Order in favor of suspended governor Gwen Garcia last Wednesday. It was a much-awaited hearing for Cebuanos both from the camp of Garcia and that of Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale that many hoped would finally resolve the Capitol impasse.
The Court of Appeals is expected to decide on the petition in a few days but the legal battle will be a long drawn one that may reach the Supreme Court.
The suspended governor has the opportunity to exhaust all legal remedies available to her while the acting governor continues to function as chief executive of the Province of Cebu. Mapgale has exercised “super maximum tolerance” in dealing with Garcia especially in her resolve not to leave her physical office. I am happy with how Magpale is dealing with the crisis in the Capitol. She allows the suspended governor to just stay in her office minus the official functions that are now exercised by Magpale as acting governor. Some may see it as a weakness, others see it as a strong resolve to keep the peace. After all, Magpale is effectively exercising the powers and functions of the Office of the Governor.
Like many of us Cebuanos, I agree with the action of the acting governor to start right by checking on the finances of the Province of Cebu and informing the people about it for transparency, even though her statements may not sit well with the suspended governor, especially when it comes to finances of the province. I am happy that Acting Governor Magpale is getting valuable support from the original Liberal Party board members Arleigh Sitoy, Board Member Calderon and her son Board Member Miguel Magpale.
I met and talked to Board Member Magpale, and I was amazed by his humility and passion to serve the province. Even though his mother is the acting governor, Migz Magpale keeps a low profile in the Capitol, goes about without fanfare and is very respectful.
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Last Christmas season, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile gave Christmas gifts of P1.6 million each to his allies in the chamber whom he he perceived as his allies. It was only P250,000 for those who were perceived to be not so friendly. Four senators, namely Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago, Pia and Allan Cayetano and Trillanes, were gifted with less money of only P 250,000. Of the four it was Senator Santiago who complained about the smaller amount she received from the Senate President to the extent of challenging the Commission on Audit to look into the finances and expenses of the Senate. Enrile vowed to have his office examined by COA saying that what he did was above board and that he has got nothing to hide. While it is true that what was done was above board but I think that considering that this is people’s money and many are still suffering from the aftermath of typhoons, are homeless and sick, I think the P1.6 million gift was scandalous at the very least.
I wish part of their P1.6 million gifts would be given as donations to victims of typhoons in Mindanao.
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Pit Señor to all as we usher in the season of Cebu City’s grand fiesta in honor of the holy child Sto. Niño. Sinulog activities started last Thursday with the Walk with Jesus procession and then Friday was the mini parade of Sinulog dances. I believe more people are attending the daily novena masses to seek blessings this 2013.
More politicians will be in Cebu to get more exposure to help their chances in the election in May. It is not yet known if suspended governor Gwen Garcia will dance in the this year’s Sinulog grand parade. With or without Garcia, I am confident that the presentations this time will be a lot better and livelier. So Pit Senor to everyone, especially our visitors from all over the world and our country. I hope that this year’s Sinulog remains peaceful and successful.