Between executive, Legislative branches: A call for unity

CEBU, Philippines —  Re-elected Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Governor Hilario Davide III hope for continued unity between the executive and legislative branches of the provincial government, something that they believe was a key factor for Cebu in surviving the past three years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We gave spirit, substance, and reality to that word that, sometimes, is most elusive to other local government units – and that is unity. Kahiusahan. Nagkahiusa atong direksyon, nagkahiusa ang atong tumong. Nagkahiusa ang atong pagpangga sa mga Sugbuanon. Over and above whatever political affiliations we may have, we rose above our own personal feelings, interest and biases," Garcia said in her speech at the Provincial Board’s inaugural session on Monday, July 4, 2022.

She said being united in facing the challenges like the African Swine Fever, COVID-19, and Typhoon Odette that ravaged at least 36 local government units strengthened the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

The Provincial Board has been behind Garcia when she implemented policies that did not necessarily sit well with the national government like the quarantine for overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and ROF, allowing entry of unvaccinated travelers, and the recent controversial face mask policy of Cebu Province.

The Board has passed ordinances backing the governor’s executive orders.

Davide shares Garcia’s call for continued unity.

"More challenges are moving in the horizon, the rising costs of fuel that has pushed the prices of essential goods through the roofs is burdening for the Cebuanos. Legislative measures that will help open more opportunities to hamper the high cost of living, protect the poor from opportunists, and sustain gains of the program of the Capitol will be the new challenge of this August chamber," Davide said.

He urged the Board to pass measures that will mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.

Garcia said the best the province can do is cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, considering that it will also affect the prices of basic commodities.

"Perhaps, akong tan-aw ani, we will focus more on being able to cushion the impact of rising prices of these commodities," Garcia said.

She is eyeing at reviving of "Tindahan sa Kapitolyo" wherein Capitol will purchase basic commodities and sell these to the public at cheaper prices since the provincial government will subsidize the cost.- JMO (FREEMAN)