Gwen reinstates loyal dep’t head

CEBU, Philippines - On her first day of work after her 180-day suspension, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia established full authority as she reinstated a department head who was relieved by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale. 

In her first meeting with department heads yesterday, Garcia reinstated Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) chief Marivic Garces, who was relieved and transferred to the Integrated Provincial Health office under Dr. Cristina Giango.

“I am now reinstated as the genuine, real and true head of PSWDO Capitol,” Garces said after their meeting.

Garces was relieved earlier this year by then acting governor Magpale but questioned the eligibility of the new PSWDO chief, Evelyn Senajon, who she said is a nurse and not a registered social worker.

She described the appointment of Senajon as a “political accommodation.”

Garces said she would immediately go back to her duties as PSWDO head starting with assisting the victims of tornado in Minglanilla and Talisay City.

Magpale, for her part, said she respected the decision of Garcia being the governor.

“Well, that’s her prerogative,” Magpale said.

Magpale said that when she was the acting governor, she had to replace Garces because she did not trust her.

Magpale, who returned to her responsibilities as vice governor, said she expected changes once Garcia returns, including the reappointment of department heads.

Prior to the meeting yesterday morning, Garcia fired provincial administrator Eduardo Habin.

Magpale said Habin bid them goodbye right after he got the memorandum Monday night.

Asked if she would recommend Habin to governor-elect Hilario “Junjun” Davide III for a position once the new administration starts, Magpale said she would have to ask Habin if he would want to work again considering that he is supposed to have retired already.

Garcia reportedly appointed Human Resource Management Office head Noli Valencia to head the Provincial Administrator’s Office.

During the meeting with Garcia yesterday, some department heads had to be represented since they were on leave.

But according to Garces, Garcia recalled all official leaves.

Magpale confirmed that she approved the applications for leave of some department heads like Senajon and Eva Encabo of Provincial General Services Office.

Provincial Accountant Marieto Ypil was also said to be on leave as well as Provincial Treasurer Manny Guial.

Magpale said those leaves were legitimate.

“We cannot turn them down since it is the right of the employee to take a leave,” she said. -/LPM (FREEMAN)