PJ: Tomas 'king of blindness, debt service'

CEBU - For calling his sister, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia as the “queen of darkness,” Cebu third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia yesterday hit back at Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña by calling him as the “king of blindness” and the “king of debt service.”

The legislator defended the governor against the mayor’s tirade by calling her “queen of darkness” because many of areas in Cebu province are allegedly not yet lighted.

But in an interview with reporters yesterday, Gov. Garcia said she has no idea why the mayor is calling her such when in fact it is already well-lighted in the countryside.

“Maybe pag-abot nako dinhi sa politika, has brought darkness to other’s political ambition,” she said.

The governor’s brother, however, did not let go of the opportunity to lash back at Osmeña by tagging him as the “king of debt service” referring to the recent report by the Commission on Audit that ranked Cebu City among cities with the highest liabilities.

The congressman said the governor has already announced a unilateral ceasefire on her rift with Osmeña due to the mayor’s condition but it seems that the ceasefire is not welcomed by the latter.

If Osmeña is branding the governor as the queen of darkness, Cong. Garcia said the mayor is the king of debt service because of the city’s debts.

Citing the COA report, the legislator said Cebu City is the number one spender because most of the city’s assets and equities are going to debt payments.

“The city is spending more than its means and it is the mark of not being a good manager. The province is also a big spender but it is spending in infrastructures and basic services. Cebu province is number one in total cash in bank, equity and assets,” Cong. Garcia said.

He also explained that almost all of the areas in the province have already been lighted and are well provided with basic services.

Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante also described the mayor’s statements against the governor as unfair, saying that Cebu province has developed a lot during Gracia’s reign.

He said the darkness issue that the mayor is talking is not true because the countryside is very well-lighted and well-provided with facilities. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)