Last week’s Suroy Suroy sa Sugbo in south Cebu has been praised by many tourists for being an improved version of the countryside tour led by suspended governor Gwen Garcia.
Particpants of the Southern Getaway appreciated how the activity genuinely promotes the participating towns. There were no more long speeches focused on one person or the usual formal welcome from municipal mayors.
The recent tour focused on the destinations, what the towns offered in terms of relaxation, nature and its heritage instead of on one person who likes the attention of the crowd and the photographers.
Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale joined the Suroy Suroy but was basically there like a guide and remained low-key. Apparently she’s trying to distance herself from the practices of the governor.
The Magpale administration through Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy shut down Sugbo TV saying it was not a cable TV program of the province but more of a promotional program for Garcia with the towns’ participation being incidental.
They also observed that Sugbo TV was covering the sorties of Garcia with her brother Congressman Pablo John in distributing cash assistance to the towns.
Now SugboTV and its newsletter will be under the Public Information Office. Magpale is definitely functioning as a governor and I believe she is doing a pretty good job while Garcia is stuck inside her office at the Capitol.
Up to when? Nobody knows. Magpale says she doesn’t want to be distracted by Gwen’s presence at the Capitol.
Now that Gwen plans to resume her sorties in the province, the question being asked is: Will Garcia be allowed to return to her office when she steps out of the Capitol?
Some are egging Magpale to strictly enforce the suspension order because she has already bent backward several times.
The office is owned by the people and not a private chamber owned by the suspended governor. We haven’t gotten a reply yet on this from Magpale who is very deliberate and careful in deciding on this matter.
Let’s just wait. Garcia’s daughter Christine Codilla-Frasco has already warned Magpale that she faces legal consequences if she bars her mother from returning to the Capitol.
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Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is a very astute and shrewd politician. When he was confronted about how he runs the Senate, he told his colleagues he would like to step down.
A resignation was voted down by Enrile’s colleagues, many of whom received his P1.6 million cash gift last Christmas.
Enrile knows his politics. He knew that gift recipients would not let him step down as easy as that.
President Benigno Aquino III has called on the senators to stop their personal squabbles and buckle down to work because there are many things to do to sustain the economic progress of our country.
It is hoped that the senators put an end to their bickering because the public gets nothing from the infighting.