CEBU, Philippines - The Garcia family yesterday thanked Cebuanos for the warm reception suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia received as she danced at the Sinulog Grand Parade last Sunday evening at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Gubernatorial candidate, third district Rep. Pablo John “PJ†Garcia, told reporters yesterday that they did not expect that kind of reception after all the threats and suggestions as to what might happen to the governor if she dances.
“We prepare ourselves for the worst but last night the family really appreciated the very warm reception of the Cebuanos,†Pablo John said.
The crowd cheered as the suspended governor emerged as the lead dancer of the Rosquillos Festival contingent during the closing ceremonies of the Sinulog Grand Parade.
“It made everything worthwhile and the family is thankful for the reception given by the Cebuanos,†Pablo John said.
However, Garcia’s vocal critic, Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña, said that the governor was just overacting in her performance.
Osmeña said that in dancing the Sinulog, Garcia was just making a fool of herself.
But Pablo John dismissed the statement of Osmeña saying that it is irrelevant.
“Whatever Tomas Osmeña says is irrelevant because he has not figured in this whole thing,†Pablo John said.
Garcia’s participation in the Sinulog was reportedly highly awaited due to the rumors that she might no longer be allowed to return to the Capitol building once she left it.
Garcia has been holed up in the Capitol since December waiting for the decision on the Temporary Restraining Order she filed against her suspension.
The suspended governor was emotional after her dance, sharing her gratitude for the support of the crowd to her.
Apart from her family and mayors from the One Cebu Party who accompanied her on her way and back to the Capitol, Garcia thanked Vice President Jejomar Binay for being there to support her.
It was acting Governor Agnes Magpale who earlier promised to let Garcia go back to her office at the Capitol if she decides to dance in the Sinulog.
Meanwhile, Pablo John called Police Regional Office-7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. unprofessional after he summoned four policemen who escorted the suspended governor last Sunday to the sports complex, believing that they did not violate any regulations.
Garcia, in an interview, said that Garbo’s anger at the suspended governor and her family made his actions too personal.
“So kaning iyang latest action or statement shows how unprofessional he is,†Garcia also said.
Garcia also questioned Garbo if it was a violation on the part of the policemen who were just doing their job to ensure that the presentation will go on without any hitch.
“Kadtong nag-escort nga mga police, they were merely there to assure that the governor gets to the Abellana grounds on time for the performance aron dili ma-delay,†Garcia said.
“I don’t think duna’y nalapas nga regulation kadtong mga pulisâ€, Garcia added.
Past 5 p.m. last Sunday Garbo called the attention of Cebu City Police Office officer-in-charge Mariano Natuel and four policemen who escorted Garcia from the Capitol to the sports center.
Office of the Mayor requested Natuel to provide security as there was a potential threat to Garcia’s security.
Garbo said that he called Natuel’s attention because security escorts were given to Garcia which he affirmed to be necessary considering the huge crowd in the grandstand.
According to Garcia he was not part of the security preparations and as well not aware of the request by the staff from the Cebu City Hall. (FREEMAN)