Over IPHO appointment Vice Gov dares PB member to sue him

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez challenged Provincial Board member Jose Ma. Gastardo to sue him before the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the board's confirmation of Cristina Giango's appointment as Integrated Provincial Health Officer.

Giango has held the position for the past two years, but only in an acting capacity.

During the PB session last Monday, Gastardo questioned the approval of Giango's confirmation despite the lack of quorum among the PB members.

During the deliberation of Giango's appointment, only nine out of 15 PB members were present. Board member Estrella Yapha also did not affix her signature in the appointment papers of Giango after the latter's failure to report to her about the alleged distribution of expired drugs in Pinamungajan town May last year.

But since only Yapha objected to Giango's confirmation, Sanchez then asked if there were other objections. Hearing no other objection, the vice governor banged the gavel and officially declared Giango's appointment confirmed. These events were recorded in the minutes of the session.

Sanchez said he was dismayed why Gastardo did not raise his sentiments during last Monday's session and instead talked to reporters.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also said that as far as she knows it is only her, the vice governor and the provincial secretary who signs any approved resolution for the regular appointment of officers.

She said she does not know of any resolutions or appointment that needs the signatures of the board members. - Flor Z. Perolina