Gwen blames PSWDO for VSMMC debt

CEBU, Philippines - Suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia blamed the inefficiency of the Provincial Social Development Office for the reported payable of the Province of Cebu  with Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in the amount of P1 million.

 This was incurred by indigent patients who asked for assistance from PSWDO.

Garcia claimed that during her time, the process of extending financial assistance to patients was smooth and the PSWDO, then led by Marivic Garces, was so efficient in their task.

She said that neither VSMMC nor the patients have complained about the processes.

“That is not because way ikabayad ang Kapitolyo. It is because there is such confusion and inefficiency in the office of the social welfare which reflects the confusion, incompetence and inefficiency that we are seeing right now in the provincial government,” Garcia said.

When acting Governor Agnes Magpale assumed office in December 19, last year, she appointed Evelyn Sinajon to replace Garces as head of PSWDO.

Garcia cited the vehicular accidents that happened in southern Cebu wherein patients were reportedly not immediately given attention by PSWDO and were instead asked to go to the office of Magpale.

“Clearly, dili kaya, daghan gibalibaran, paadtoon pa sa opisina ni Magpale. If naay utang, I wouldn’t wonder kay ang processing sa papeles nagkagubot. On the part sa patients,  wa na kahibawo asa modangop,” Garcia said.

Some of the patients were reportedly taken care of by the staff of Rep. Pablo John Garcia who were at VSMMC.

Magpale said she met with VSMMC chief of hospital, Dr. Gerardo Aquino, last Thursday and discussed the matter.

In the past weeks, VSMMC was reportedly no longer accepting patients whose expenses are charged to the provincial government.

Magpale clarified that since she assumed office, the province already paid the amount of P750,000 to VSMMC and another P500,000 was ready for release yesterday.

Magpale said that Aquino offered a credit limit up to P500,000 for the province to pay later.

“I’m happier with that arrangement, naa siya’y P500,000,” Magpale said.

Magpale stressed that the province is trying its best to generate funds but for now, it is dependent on the monthly release of the Internal Revenue Allotment in the amount of P133 million.

 Under the 2013 annual budget, the Province of Cebu has P2 million assistance to VSMMC. (FREEMAN)