Loot explains, Magpale caused my rift with Gwen

CEBU, Philippines - From Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Daanbantayan Mayor Maria Luisa is now leveling her criticism at Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, accusing her of making intrigues resulting to her rift with Garcia after the 2010 elections.

Loot reconciled with Garcia after the latter graced the Haladaya Festival last Aug. 30 upon the invitation of Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung who bridged their gap.

Garcia visited Daanbantayan last Monday and gave financial assistance to the town’s projects and programs and insurance packages for barangay volunteer workers.

Loot said she was just a victim of intrigues made by Magpale to the governor.

“Iya giingnan ang governor nga dili kuno ta (Daanbantayan) mo-cooperate sa eGwen program,” Loot said.

Loot reiterated her accusation to Magpale in a program held at the Agujo Elementary School in Daanbantayan town attended by barangay officials, health workers, day-care workers, teachers and students.

Magpale denied the allegation and instead passed it on to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Marivic Garces.

“I strongly deny that allegation.  Wala gyud ko’y gisumbong ni Gov. It was Marivic Garces. You can confirm that,” Magpale said in a phone interview with The FREEMAN.

Garces also denied her involvement as alleged by Magpale.

“Buyag uroy siya, wa tawn  ko’y direct involvement ana eGwen kay ako staff ra ako palingkod kada meeting hasta monitoring,” Garces said.

Magpale has been allied with Garcia since the 2007 election but severed ties with her last July when she decided to be the running mate of Hilario Davide III of the Liberal Party for the 2013 elections, rejecting the offer to be the running mate of third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

During their quarrel, Loot expressed her support to the Davide-Magpale tandem but later changed her mind.

“Bisan supak sa akong kabubut-on kay nahiubos ko, wa nako gi-personal kay naglantaw ko sa kaayuhan sa katawhan,” said Loot in her speech as she thanked Garcia.

Loot said that even if Daanbantayan was not included in the eGwen program, the barangay officials implemented what the program intends such as for beautification.

“Isip lider sa lungsod sa Daanbantayan, di matukib ako kalipay sa inyo pagsunod sa programa sa Kapitolyo,” the emotional Loot said.

Garcia repeatedly admired what the municipality and the barangays have done in relation to the eGwen program even without the assistance of the province in the past two years.

Garcia gave P100,000 to each of the 20 barangays for the beautification program. She also gave a tourist bus to Daanbantayan to support its tourism program.

Loot declared that the Capitol’s program under the governor’s administration must be continued by Pablo John as she is asking barangay leaders to support his candidacy for governor with former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV for vice governor.  —(FREEMAN)