Bakud eyes replacement for Magpale's PB seat

CEBU, Philippines - The local party Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) is looking at the possibility of filling in the vacant post in the Provincial Board caused by the ascension of Vice Governor Agnes Magpale to her present position following the death of then vice governor Greg Sanchez before the 2013 elections.

Magpale said her party is also deliberating on the issue whether or not she will stick it out with One Cebu Party or join the Liberal Party in the coming elections as running mate of former Cebu City councilor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III.

“Ang isyu dili lang sa ako, sa kinatibuk-an that will involve the party,” Magpale said.

Magpale, being then the PB presiding pro-tempore has ascended to her present position after the death of Sanchez in April 29 last year.

Bakud Party did not recommend any replacement pending the election protest filed by businessman Glen Anthony Soco against Sanchez pending the decision of the case to allow Magpale to take back her seat had Soco won in his protest.

The Comelec dismissed Soco’s election protest and affirmed Sanchez’s winning over him in the last elections. Soco however asked for a reconsideration of the ruling.

Magpale said that to fill in the post vacated by her in the PB is among the matters to be resolved by Bakud Party before the end of the month.

Her son, Danao City Councilor Miguel Antonio Magpale, is among those eyed to be recommended for the position.

The party will recommend and the Office of the President in Malacañang will appoint.

Magpale emphasized the need to fill in the vacant post considering that the office has P5 million allocations for its Legislative Assistance Fund for each of the PB member. Each congressional district has two PB members.

“Para magamit intawn na para sa district,” Magpale said adding that she is taking care of the district using the resources of the office of the Vice Governor.

Right now, only Board Member Thaddeus Jude Sybico represents the fifth district in the PB.

Magpale added if the vacant post is filled in, it will also strengthen their party. (FREEMAN)