"Special attention" for Tudela, Compostela

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday said Capitol will give “special attention” to Tudela after the town’s mayor said he is having difficulty dealing with the problems he “inherited” from the previous administration, which reportedly has affected the delivery of basic services there.

“Nasayud ko sa problem karon sa lungsod sa Tudela, mao nga hatagan nako kini og special attention,” Garcia said after a meeting with Tudela Mayor Erwin Yu.

Yu aired his concerns during a meeting with other mayors and the governor to prepare for the One Cebu Expo next month. Yu also told Garcia he needs funds to implement the project in the town.

The current situation in Tudela stemmed from the conflict between the town’s former officials, which erupted following the 2007 elections. The defeated mayoralty candidate Demetrio Granada has filed a complaint against winning candidate Roger Baquerfo.

One week before the May 10, 2010 elections, the Commission on Elections declared Granada as winner of the 2007 elections. Granada assumed office for a week, but he failed in a subsequent bid for councilor.

In the same meeting with the mayors, Garcia also acknowledged the need for Capitol to give attention to Compostela until the Comelec resolves the issue on the town’s leadership.

The Comelec has ordered to suspend the effects of the proclamation of the winners in the May 10 polls owing to a petition filed by losing candidate Ritchie Wagas.

Garcia already assured support to Pedro Noval, Department of Interior and Local Government 7 Regional Director and designated officer-in-charge of the town. 

The camp of elected mayor Joel Quino has sought relief with the Supreme Court. — THE FREEMAN