Gwen camp won't listen to Emphasis

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's camp vows to continue its offensive against fourth district Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez despite calls by Lakas spokesperson Elberto Emphasis to stop the bickerings. Capitol consultant Pablo John Garcia said they do not recognize Emphasis as having the authority to call for a ceasefire. "Who is he? Who is this character named Emphasis? Who is he to the leaders of Cebu who have been elected? Who is he to make such a call?" Pablo John asked. Pablo John said Emphasis should rethink on whether he has the moral ascendancy to order leaders of Cebu to shut up. President Arroyo, however, has reportedly ordered Emphasis to shut up instead. Arroyo reportedly directed Secretary Cerge Remonde to talk to Emphasis, with the order to refrain from issuing statements on behalf of the party. The president reportedly made the order during her meeting with the officials from Cebu the other day. Emphasis called on both the camps of Garcia and Martinez to refrain from making accusations against each other saying this does not do any good to President Arroyo. Emphasis' call stemmed from the conflict between the two camps following the statement of Martinez in Congress claiming that the presidential election in the province last year was rigged. Such statement earned Martinez the declaration as "persona non grata" by the political leaders in Cebu including Garcia. Pablo John said Emphasis should have addressed his call to Martinez because it was she who impugned the legitimacy of the leadership of Arroyo by accusing the president of cheating. "Kung ceasefire iyang gusto, ang iyang badlongon si Martinez," Pablo John said.