The truth shall set us free - Gov. Gwen

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has welcomed the statement of Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal that the truth will always come out on the graft cases filed before the Sandiganbayan.

“Cardinal Vidal has always been a man of truth and indeed I have always also subscribed to the saying that the truth shall set us free,” Garcia told reporters.

Garcia and Vidal were together during the launching of the 100-day countdown to the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod at the Basilica del Santo Niño. That was a week before the filing of the charges against the governor.

Vidal reportedly asked Garcia why she is becoming thinner.

“I am so touched that our beloved Cardinal is concerned about my own weight,” Garcia said.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, when asked for his message for Garcia in her current ordeal in court, had said that he trusts the truth will come out.

 “If the accusation is false, it (case) will just fall down,” said Vidal.

Garcia and Vidal have been in a good relationship especially that the governor, who is devoted to the Senior Santo Niño, helps the Church in its activities, particularly for Calungsod’s canonization.

Vidal revealed that he advised Garcia not to go for a national position yet when the governor visited him days after the New Year celebration.

Meanwhile, Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol of the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas said there are three remedies that Garcia and other respondents can avail of before the scheduled arraignment of the case.

He cited the motion for reconsideration, motion to quash information and motion for the determination of probable cause.

Apostol said a preventive suspension pending litigation normally comes out after an arraignment of the case. In the procedure, he said, the prosecution has to file a motion for suspension after the arraignment.

Other respondents in the graft and technical malversation case are former provincial assessor Anthony Sususco, Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre, former provincial engineer Eulogio Pelayre, Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon, former provincial board member Juan Bolo, executor Romeo Balili and lot owner Amparo Balili.

They have all posted bail. – (FREEMAN)