In Dumanjug Magpale, Sitoy declared as persona non grata

CEBU, Philippines - On the basis of alleged wrong accusations against suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the municipal council of Dumanjug has passed a resolution declaring acting Governor Agnes Magpale and Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy as persona non grata.

Yesterday, Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia, brother of the suspended governor, said that the both officials will not be appreciated in their town.

“The insults are too much. If mo-visit sila, they are not welcome.”

Mayor Garcia said that apart from three other council members who are from the Liberal Party who did not sign the resolution, all the others were in favor of the proposal to declare Magpale and Sitoy as persona non grata.

Persona non grata or “an unwelcome person”, is a legal term used in diplomacy that indicates the prohibition against a person to enter a country or area.

The resolution that was discussed during the council session last Wednesday stated “the recent developments in the Capitol takeover blatantly exposed and unraveled the sinister plot of Magpale-Sitoy tandem in maligning and systematically destroying the good name and reputation of Governor Gwendolyn Fiel Garcia, an illustrious daughter of the town of Dumanjug and the first duly elected woman Governor of the Province of Cebu.”

Mayor Garcia said that the insults against her sister are too much and that ‘the people of the town are offended for such assertions.’

As for Sitoy, he said they consider him a good family friend but felt offended by the claims made by the board member against her sister.

The mayor said they will only lift the declaration if and when the two officials make a public apology and take back the accusations made against the suspended governor.

Magpale said the declaration is understandable since the mayor is the brother of the suspended governor.  She said that her status as acting governor is just based on the rule of law wherein the vice governor will automatically take the place of the governor in case of a suspension or other circumstances.

“I am just following the rule of law and I gave information based on facts. If they use that as basis then so be it,” she said.

In a text message to The FREEMAN, Sitoy said that he is not bothered by the declaration.

“Coming from a good friend, I don’t mind. I can even afford to offer my other cheek to a friend and kumpare. Passed by Dumanjug yesterday, unscathed. Thanks to Mayor Nelson,” he said.

Hands off the furniture

The family of the suspended governor also warned acting Governor Agnes Magpale she will be liable for losses and damage to personal effects of the governor if she will forcibly take over the office of the governor.

The warning was issued as the family is considering the request of mayors allied with Governor Garcia during their meeting yesterday for her to visit their towns.

Governor Garcia’s daughter, lawyer Ma. Christina Esperanza Frasco, said that Magpale will be liable for criminal offense if she will take away things from the governor’s office.

Magpale has already been charged for robbery after she allegedly ordered the dismantling of tents used by Governor Garcia’s supporters during a prayer vigil when the suspension order was served last Dec. 19, 2012.

“I don’t think she would want a rain of cases to fall upon her if she dares to take over the Governor’s office,” Frasco said.

Furniture such as tables, chairs, couches, cabinets and others made by Maitland-Smith are property of Golden Garfield Dev. Co. on loan to former governor Pablo Garcia.

Incumbent officials of One Cebu as well as candidates for the May 13, 2013 elections met Gov. Garcia yesterday to relay their concerns.  Daanbantayan Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot said that they are unanimous in asking the governor to visit their towns.

“Pero wa mag-ingon nga manaug siya or mopahawa siya diha,” Loot said referring to Garcia’s stay at her office since Dec. 19, 2012.

Governor Garcia has left the Capitol compound just once a week ago to dance at the Sinulog Grand Parade at the Cebu City Sports Center but she went back after.

“Tinud-anay lang uhaw na kaayo ang mga tawo nga makigkita ni Gov. Gwen,” Loot said.

Frasco said the family has taken it up and welcomed it with great happiness.

“Siguro naa’y posibi-lidad nga mogawas si Gov. Gwen but the decision is entirely up to her,” Frasco said.

As a lawyer, Frasco emphasized that Governor Garcia still has the right to continue to hold the office for reasons that her suspension was illegal and she has not been removed from office.

Governor Garcia’s brother, Byron, said that considering the announcement of Magpale’s camp to take over the office, they are in the contention to protect the office of his sister.

Byron did not divulge their plans but he said they are ready until such time Governor Garcia will decide to go to the towns.  — AJ de la Torre and Gregg M. Rubio/BRP (FREEMAN)