Capitol distributes relief goods to storm-hit towns

CEBU provincial government officials and employees distributed relief goods to more than 3,000 children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the typhoon-hit towns of Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos in Bantayan island yesterday.

Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said the relief packs contained biscuits, toys, candy, softdrinks and used clothing.

The “holiday caravan” was the provincial government’s alternative to a Christmas party for its employees. They decided instead to spend the budget to buy relief goods for supertyphoon Yolanda survivors in northern Cebu, said the governor’s chief of staff Ramil Abing.

In the following days, Gov. Hilardio Davide III and Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale will also travel to Bogo City to distribute goods.

The caravan will include visits to the towns of Medellin, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Borbon and Tabogon. Davide last weekend went to Poro, Pilar, San Francisco and Tudela in Camotes island.

Instead of a Christmas party, Capitol personnel and officials will hold a Mass at the Social Hall this Friday.

“Afterwards, employees of the Capitol can expect that the governor will announce a (yearend) bonus if there is one,” Abing said.

Abing also confirmed that the Capitol administration would file charges against a private employee of the Capitol’s canteen concessionaire who was caught on security cameras stealing relief packs at least thrice last month.

He said the Provincial Legal Office headed by Orvi Ortega will file the charges against Messie Torralba in court.

Torralba, who said her family had financial problems after her spouse was hospitalized, was turned over by the provincial government’s security office to the Fuente police precinct but was released last Monday since no one filed charges.

After her release, Torralba reportedly went to the Governor’s Office to try and settle the case to no avail, said a source who requested anonymity.

“This is to set an example that the Capitol will not tolerate criminal acts especially involving relief operations.

She will have to make her plea (in court) if she wants a settlement,” Abing said. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos