The lead counsel of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia branded as “unfair and inaccurate” statements from the Liberal Party in Cebu that they want a Court of Appeals justice to inhibit in the usurpation case because they are losing.
Lawyer Tranquil Salvador said their motion to inhibit against Justice Vicente Veloso, presiding justice of the 12th division of the CA is based on “clear and repeated acts” against the interest of the suspended governor.
Salvador was reacting to a statement from LP Cebu spokesman Democrito Barcenas who said earlier that “just because she didn’t get a TRO, Garcia is now accusing Justice Veloso of being biased and prejudiced against her.”
“We just act as a legal counsel of Governor Garcia, and bring to proper forum her rights that are being continually violated upon by an illegal suspension order and our plan to speed up the issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) as filed almost 40 days ago”.
Salvador reiterated their stand that there is something amiss when the CA 12th division granted TRO on a lower decision that would effect the candidacy for the congressional seat of the 4th district of Camarines Sur on the same day it heard oral arguments, while it took them 40 days to deny their TRO plea.
“We follow the rule of law and exhaust all legal remedies available to our client”.
“Di rin kami na magpa suntok lang kasi nandyan na ang Order at hayaan lang at walang ginagawa. Kung ganyan eh kawawa naman yong cliente namin si Governor Gwen Garcia na biktima lang ng isang paraan sa pamolitika,” Salvador said.
(We cannot allow to be just hit because the order is there and do nothing. If we do that our client Governor Garcia is in a pitiful situation because she is a victim of bad politics.)
Salvador pointed out that “Before this people making such public statement, they should read and understand first what is going on during our first Oral Arguments and try to reflect on the arguments laid down by Justice Veloso.”
He enjoined everyone to wait for the decision of the CA and refrain from making premature predictions.
“Yes, it is true that people are excited about the fate of the case of Governor Garcia, but may I just remind the public that it is still pending before the Court of Appeals and we are confident that the CA will favor our prayers. /Renan Alangilan, Correspondent