Sitoy wants to vindicate self

CEBU, Philippines - To explain the appearance of his photo in the presentation of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia about the Balili property last week, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy had a privilege speech during the session yesterday.

Sitoy explained he was not able to attend the presentation at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) because he was in Manila and he only viewed the presentation in the internet.

“Dakoa sa akong nawong sa presentation. Nagbabag ang akong nawong,” said Sitoy.

Sitoy cited some discrepancies in the contract that Garcia presented such as the date of the execution of the contract and the date of the agreement.

Sitoy said that in the notice  of  award  received on May 24, 2012, the contractor was directed to secure a performance bond within 20 days from receipt of award but he noticed the contract was executed on May 22, two days prior to the receipt of the notice of award.

Board Alex Binghay told Sitoy that maybe, what he meant was the bidders bond because it was done during the bidding.

Sitoy said he will check the documents and assure he will provide copies to his colleagues.

PB Member Joven Mondigo Jr. asked Sitoy his main purpose of having the privilege speech when he is one of those who filed a case against Garcia in relation to the Balili issue.

“I was just trying to vindicate my face which appeared very prominently when the governor  made the presentation,” replied Sitoy.

 Mondigo suggested to let the Ombudsman decide on the case when Sitoy again raised the issue on the authority of the PB over the contract of the ongoing development of a portion of the Balili property, which is the subject of the complaint.

PB Member Cesar Ian Geronimo Zambo also asked Sitoy why he had to make the speech.

“Unsa may labot ani sa atoang august body? Wa man mi magsugo ninyo nga moadto mo didto magkiha. It is not the voice of this august body. Inyoha na, di ba? So, why discuss it here?” Zambo said.

Zambo added Sitoy could just have called for a press conference to explain his side.

PB Member Julian Daan who was present when Garcia made the presentation explained that the governor started her power point presentation by showing newspaper banner photos of Sitoy and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale during their visit at the Balili property.

PB Member Peter John Calderon explained that it is allowed in their rules of procedure that a member is entitled of question of privilege on matters affecting their rights as individual or in official capacity.

“I think the privilege speech of the honorable gentleman from the sixth district is in order, ” Calderon said. — Gregg M. Rubio and Kristine B. Quintas, USJR Masscom Intern/MBG (FREEMAN)