In Tudela: Baquerfo no-show in project inauguration

CEBU, Philippines – Demetrio Granada had his chance to play the role as Tudela town mayor in the absence of Rogelio Baquerfo Sr. during the inauguration of classrooms and bridges in the town yesterday morning.

The inauguration of the projects was led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who was warmly welcomed by the local officials and residents of the towns of San Francisco, Poro and Tudela.

The classrooms and the asphalting of roads, in which the provincial government has spent at least P20 million, are expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of residents in the three towns.

The projects include 11 two-door public school buildings, four concrete bridges worth a total of P10 million and the concreting of two provincial roads in the island.

A grinning Granada told reporters: “Dili lagi gyud na ma mayor si Baquerfo kay pirmi man na siyang wala diri.”

The town of Tudela is caught in the tug of war between Baquerfo and Granada who are both claiming to be the “duly elected mayor.”

Baquerfo was declared mayor in the 2007 elections with a margin of eight votes against Granada. But Danao City RTC Judge Edito Enemecio resolved a recount petition in favor of Granada last January, declaring him the winner by margin of 13 votes.

Granada has claimed the post but Baquerfo has appealed the decision and claimed the absence of a writ of execution from the court does not make Granada mayor of Tudela.

During yesterday’s event, Granada along with Vice Mayor Clint Maratas and members of the opposition block welcomed Garcia who visited the Tudela town to inaugurate several projects such as the inauguration of the school classrooms in Tudela Central School, Buenavista Elementary School, Villahermosa Elementary School and Tudela Central School. Also includes the inauguration of bridges like in Balias bridge, Mc Arthur Bridge I, Mc Arthur Bridge II and Saoran Bridge. 

Garcia said that the implementation of these projects is an indication of how much the provincial government cares for the residents of Camotes Island, which is located in the mid-eastern part of the province.

The governor also inaugurated the newly constructed school buildings in the municipality of San Francisco with Mayor Al Alquizolla and provincial schools division superintendent Arden Monesit.

Dressed in a white polo shirt with “mayor” marking, Granada and his allies waited for Garcia to arrive at the Tudela Central School.

It was the first time that Granada acted as mayor and played host to the visiting governor. He said he will remain mayor of Tudela and will prevent Baquerfo from taking over.

Granada even intends to file a more serious case against Baquerfo before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Granada has lodged at least two complaints against Baquerfo before the anti-graft office – malversation of public funds and graft and corrupt practices for the unauthorized use of bags of municipal owned cement.

Both cases have been forwarded to the Sandiganbayan for hearing. A warrant of arrest was issued against Baquerfo last week on the cement complaint but he immediately posted bail.

Baquerfo was said to be in his house in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, two days after he was able to post bail for his Sandiganbayan case.

Maratas said he and Granada spoke to the governor of the need to already pay members of the opposition block and their supporters employed at the municipal hall their unpaid honorarium that has accumulated since the January 30 payday.

Granada and his supporters refused to receive their pay for January 30 and February 15 after Baquerfo asked them to sign a waiver that would recognize him as the town mayor.

The February 28 and March 15 honorarium of municipal officials and the salaries of both the Baquerfo and Granada supporters employed at the municipal hall have not been paid after Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) required Baquerfo to seek council authority prior to any further withdrawals.

Maratas said Garcia has assured them that she would call municipal treasurer Angelita Roble to her office at the Capitol on Monday to discuss the matter.

Garcia wanted provincial treasurer Roy Salubre to function as acting municipal treasurer and prepare the vouchers that would support the need for her to withdraw from Tudela’s LBP account for the payment of salaries.

Salubre said he could not take Roble’s place unless she is given authority by the Bureau of Local Government Finance and there is formal turn-over of municipal documents. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)