Baquerfo vows to reclaim power to sign Tudela's financial papers

CEBU – Tudela Mayor Rogelio Baquerfo has vowed to reassume the authority to sign the town’s financial documents now that the order that gave Governor Gwendolyn Garcia the authority to sign Tudela’s financial papers on his behalf has expired.

“Ako nay manuweldo,” Baquerfo said, adding, he would no longer allow Garcia to sign the town’s vouchers, checks, and other financial documents on his behalf after the executive order expired last December 31.

Invoking the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code, Garcia issued the executive order last month after the conflict between Baquerfo and political foe Demetrio Granada affected the release of salaries and bonuses to the town’s employees, as well as the delivery of basic services.

Garcia was forced to intervene after the town’s depository bank, the Land Bank of the Philippines, refused to honor the signatures of either Baquerfo and Granada pending final resolution of a court order, which declared Granada as winner in the 2007 elections.   With the expiry of the executive order, Baquefo said he would now reassume his functions because he is still the one duly recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government as mayor of Tudela.

Baquerfo said his municipal treasurer, Angelita Roble, would also be reinstated tomorrow by virtue of an order of the Department of Finance. Roble was kicked from her post when Granada forcibly took over the town’s municipal hall six months ago.

But Baquefo’s plan is expected to spark another level of hostility, considering that Granada is reportedly already practically “living” at the mayor’s office for fear that Baquerfo might re-assume post.

Granada stormed the municipal hall despite the absence of a writ of execution on the court order and despite an appeal pending before Commission on Elections. Baquerfo already made several attempts to return to office but failed since Granada’s supporters are guarding the building. — Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)