Greg slams governor for"delay" in court case

CEBU, Philippines - The camp of Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez has accused the camp of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of allegedly delaying the case in relation to the move of Capitol not to renew the contracts of Sanchez’ nine consultants.

The supposed hearing of the case yesterday was postponed after Garcia asked that she be given 15 more days to answer the petition for mandamus, prohibition and damages Sanchez filed against her and three other Capitol officials.

Also named defendants are provincial attorney Marino Martinquilla, provincial administrator Eduardo Habin, and provincial treasurer Roy Salubre.

The governor had asked for a 15-day extension, but Sanchez’ lawyer, Oliveros Kintanar, contended the extension is but a delaying tactic.

“Garcia asked the court for extension to file their reply with regards to the petition mandamus. They asked the court a span of another 15 days. Ngano nga dili sila katubag dayon nga sayon raman pagtubag niadto? Ang kaning ila paglangay-langay ra jud ning ilang gibuhat,” Kintanar said.

In his petition, Sanchez asked the court to order Salubre to “immediately give due course and take appropriate action on the consultancy service contracts” executed by him and his consultants effective January 1 to July 31, 2010.

He likewise asked the court to order Garcia to “refrain from resorting further to her appalling influence over subordinate provincial officials.”

The case stemmed from the memorandum issued by Garcia on January 4 informing the vice governor that the contract of his nine consultants will no longer be renewed because their functions are already duplication to that of the executive department.

The nine affected consultants include Leo Atap, consultant on data programming and software and development; Edgar Godinez, consultant on trade, investment and promotions; Sophela Ignacio, consultant on livelihood and administration; Manuel T. Mauel, organic farming; Edgar Sibonga, consultant on infrastructure; and Oliveros Kintanar, consultant on legal matters. (THE FREEMAN)