Gwen: Don't blame me for delay

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia described the statement of Compostela councilor-elect Tessa Cang blaming her for not intervening in the case of Compostela as “distasteful and unbecoming”.

Garcia said she already appealed for calm after tension flared last week when Mayor-elect Joel Quiño and other elected officials tried to take over the municipal hall.

Garcia said the responsibility of the governor is clearly spelled out and the best thing she can do is to give assistance to the municipality.

The Capitol is helping the municipality’s garbage disposal program by paying the three personnel assigned to the garbage truck.

Garcia explained she cannot resolve a pending electoral protest and cannot even tell the Commission on Elections what to do.

Garcia joined the call to Comelec for the speedy resolution of the case filed by former mayor Ritchie Wagas leading to the suspension of the proclamation of Quiño and other elected officials.

“Do not expect me to resolve electoral case. I have no mandate, authority over the Comelec,” Garcia said.

Cang was reportedly complaining why the protest filed by vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Anthony Soco against the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez is now moving while their case is not.

But Garcia said Soco’s case seems to be moving at the same as the case of Compostela; it took a year for it to progress.

If Comelec ordered the collection of ballot boxes subject the protest of Soco, she can do nothing about it.

Garcia also cited an election case filed by Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña against her which is not also moving.

Should she be able to dictate Comelec, Garcia said she wants her case resolved first. (FREEMAN)