Davide unfazed by Garcia threat

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday said he is not threatened by possible charges Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia may file against him once he denies the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed on the latter’s 60-day suspension.

“Iya man nang prerogative. Iya man nang katungod. Hadlok-hadlokon pa man ta’g kiha (It is his prerogative and right to file a case. He cannot threaten me),” he told reporters.

Garcia is currently serving a 60-day preventive suspension that Davide imposed upon the recommendation of the Cebu Provincial Board, which found the mayor liable for alleged abuse of authority and misconduct in office.

Dumanjug Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica filed the complaint after Garcia allegedly encroached on his power as presiding officer to appoint a Sangguniang Bayan secretary.

Last Wednesday, Garcia said he would be considering the option of filing complaints for grave abuse of authority and violation of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act, if the governor refuses to lift the suspension.

Garcia earlier filed a MR before Davide’s office, saying the issuance of the order was “prematurely” and “improperly” done, which was in violation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2009-06, or the “Rules and Procedures Governing Investigation of Administrative Cases Against Elective Municipal Officials of the Province of Cebu.”

He had said that the MR he filed would serve as a ‘chance’ for the governor to review and correct the ‘mistakes’ made.

Sought for his comment, Davide, a lawyer, said he has already read Garcia’s motion but cannot divulge yet what his decision would be. —/RHM (FREEMAN)