TWO journalists were made to clarify their print articles on the restoration of the legislative assistance fund and appointing powers taken away by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia as alleged by the late Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez in his usurpation case against the governor.
Their articles were presented as part of Sanchez’s daughter Grecylda “Gigi” Zaballero’s evidence in the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) hearing.
Cebu Daily News correspondent Carmel Loise Matus confirmed writing an article about the governor’s assurance to return the balance of the LAF a day after she met with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and majority of the Provincial Board members last May 18.
The board members, said Matus, passed the P 208.2-million Supplemental Budget 1 for 2011.
The appropriation passed on June 6 alloted P46.6 million for the LAF and P22.8 million for general administration and support services.
Three reporters were subpoenaed to yesterday’s hearing but only Matus and reporter Oscar Pineda of Sun.Star Cebu were cross-examined. Reporter Gregg Rubio of the Freeman came late.
The last witness presented yesterday was Enrico Sanchez Sr., the late Sanchez’s nephew who worked under the office of the vice governor as administrative officer 4.
He said the appointments of Julius Regner, Amelyn Poca and Victor Villamor were made by Governor Garcia.
On cross-examination, Enrico said they are assigned in the offices of PB members Alex Binghay and Arleigh Sitoy. He admitted he was not aware they were assigned by the vice governor.
DILG has yet to resolve the legal standing of Zaballero in the case, whether or not the governor’s acts alleged by the complainant is covered by the Aguinaldo Doctrine. They have yet to determine the belated revocation of businessman Crisologo Saavedra’s statements will be stricken off the record.
The hearing will resume on Aug. 31 with the presentation of evidence from the respondent./multi-media coordinator marian z. codilla and correspondent carmel loise matus