Pablo John hits Tomas for statement on judges

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia said that Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña should not malign the integrity of the judiciary if he does not want a debate on the legality of the deal between the city and Filinvest land Inc. (FLI) at the South Road Properties.

Garcia said that the mayor also need not be impatient about him bringing the matter to court.

“Mayor Osmeña need not worry.  Given the brazenness of this anomalous joint venture agreement, we will come to that (filing of cases in court), eventually,” Garcia said.

The statement is in reaction to Osmeña’s dare for Garcia to file cases in court instead of pushing for a debate, which Osmeña describes as “continuing harassment and witch hunt.”

Garcia, who delivered a privilege speech at the House of Representatives, said his primary duty as legislator is to inquire into whether existing legislation provides enough “parameters and safeguards” to protect the taxpayers’ interests in joint venture agreements between local government units and private entities. 

He also wants to know how the requirement for congressional authority to sell reclaimed lands by LGUs is enforced.

Osmeña, who is still recuperating in Houston, Texas after a surgery to remove his bladder, said he will not accept the challenge of Garcia to a debate, but is willing to face a House inquiry.

The mayor said that he would not dignify the challenge to a debate as he believes it will not resolve the legality of the contract and will only be a vehicle for grandstanding by politicians.

Garcia likewise described as “cocky and irresponsible” Osmeña’s statement (which came out in The Freeman) implying that the Province of Cebu is “afraid” to bring the issue to court because judges might rule against their favor because of the issue of judge’s allowances and the city’s granting of P1 million in allowances for judges.

“I would like to assure Mayor Osmeña that 99.9% of judges in Cebu do not decide on the basis of whether they receive allowances or not, but according to the facts and the law,” Garcia said.

He also said that the statement shows Osmeña’s “low regard and opinion” of judges in Cebu. 

The Cebu City government has appropriated P1 million for the Equalization Fund for any of the Cebu judges whose allowance from the local government units will be cancelled for giving unfavorable decisions.

“Osmeña is implying that judges in Cebu can be bought by paltry allowances. Of course, what can one expect, really, from someone who has a low regard and opinion of everyone but himself?”

Garcia said, “If they do not want to debate, they should just say so.  That’s all right.  But do they have to insult the judiciary in the process?” — Garry B. Lao/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)