Magpale, seven others told to respond to raps

CEBU Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and seven others were told to submit their counter-affidavits in response to charges filed against them before the Ombudsman-Visayas.

The charges were filed by two staffers of former Cebu governor and now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia in relation to the padlocking of the Governor’s Office last January 30.

The joint order was issued by Mary Antonette Yalao, director of the Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Review Bureau (PARB).

Aside from Magpale, also included were Chief Supt. Marcelino Garbo, Magpale’s spokesperson Dara Acusar, Provincial Consultant Eduardo Habin, Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag, Senior Insp. Eduardo Caranza, Insp. Alvin Enguito and Engr. Hector Jamora.

Charges of grave abuse of authority, grave coercion, gross misconduct and graft were filed against Magpale and the seven officials by Garcia’s chief of staff Elizabeth Francia and executive assistant Amor Sarmiento last February.

Failure of the respondents to file the counter-affidavit and submit all other requirements before the Ombudsman will automatically invalidate their right to present evidence on their behalf, the PARB order stated.

In their complaint, Francia and Sarmiento said Magpale exceeded her authority as acting governor when she ordered the closure of the governor’s office and told them to vacate the premises.

Basiliso Sungcad, Magpale’s chief of staff, said he will meet with the vice governor’s legal team to discuss their next move today. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos