CEBU, Philippines – The Vice Governors League of the Philippines is set to pass a resolution manifesting indignation over, and protest against, the encroachment of the Cebu provincial government’s executive department on the duties and responsibilities of the legislative department.
This after the league met at the office of Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez yesterday to discuss the issue between him and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
“It has been brought to our attention that the constitutional rights of the legislative department have been grossly violated in the province of Cebu, where the executive department has usurped its rights bordering on tyranny and disposition,” the resolution read.
Sanchez earlier wrote to league president Leonidos Fausto.
“I write the league of Vice Governors of the Philippines to present what I perceive is a blatant affront to the office and authority of all vice governors of our republic,” his letter read.
Last year Garcia issued a memorandum recalling all the consultants assigned to the office of the vice governor.
“Not being consent with this harassment, Garcia removed from the Office of the Vice Governor all authority to sign checks, warrant vouchers and other documents incidental and material to the operations, functions and prerogatives of the Office of Vice-Governor,” Sanchez also wrote.
Garcia then issued another memorandum removing control of the Legislative Assistance Fund from the Provincial Board.
“With this act, she has relegated the Provincial Board into a mere rubber stamp and liaison body with the power to merely recommended the release of monies for projects, livelihood programs, and other such endeavors benefiting the people of Cebu,” Sanchez added.
The league plans to furnish copies of the resolution to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Ombudsman-Manila. (FREEMAN)