Vice guv's leave approved

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. finally filed his vacation leave which was immediately approved by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday afternoon.

The leave of absence covers the period from March 1 to April 30, 2011; the same period indicated in the authority to travel duly approved by Garcia but which was not used.

Sanchez’s administrative officer Marina Abear said that the filing of vacation leave was upon the decision of the vice governor’s daughter, Grezilda “Gigi” Sanchez-Zaballero.

Abear said that the application for leave of absence was prepared as early as February 16.

The approved vacation leave was supposed to be used for the filing of a visa application for Sanchez to travel to the United States but the plan was dropped after an infection was found in his throat resulting to the loss of his voice.

The approved vacation leave paved the way for Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale to assume as acting vice governor.

Since Sanchez has not attended 10 consecutive PB sessions, Magpale was hesitant to take over as acting vice governor as she was just designated by Sanchez as acting presiding officer.

Before the vacation leave was filed yesterday, PB members agreed to send the documents for Sanchez to sign in the hospital.

During the pre-caucus session with Department of Interior and Local Government-7 Regional Director Pedro Noval Jr. and DILG legal officer Danilo Almendras, Magpale said they did not push to appoint an acting vice governor and instead suggested to send to the hospital the documents for the signature of Sanchez.

Noval and Almendras told PB members the authority to sign cannot be delegated to Evangeline de Paula the chief of staff of Sanchez.

PB members earlier questioned De Paula’s authority in signing a travel order secured by Magpale.

De Paula explained to PB members yesterday that she just acted in good faith in the absence of Sanchez to recommend for approval of the travel order of Magpale from the Office of the Governor.

As acting vice governor, Magpale now oversees the operation of the office of the vice governor and signs documents. (FREEMAN)