Greg cries foul over funds

CEBU, Philippines - Saying that “politics” is behind the denial of his request for funds as financial assistance to different barangays in the province, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez yesterday questioned the alleged move of Capitol to freeze his Legislative Assistance Fund.

In an interview with The Freeman, Sanchez said the governor’s office reportedly withheld the checks at the Treasurer’s office around October, in time for the filing of the certificate of candidacy.

He said this is the first time that the governor’s office “froze” the checks from his LAF amounting to P23 million.

“So pag abot na aning eleksyon karon na aduna na siya’y runningmate nga lain, ang tanan nakong mga financial assistance para sa mga barangay iya namang gipugngan ang tanan. Ang ako lang gi-single out niya…gibugkos naman niya…pagbugkos, gilain sa treasurer’s office. Ang mag follow-up intawon mga barangay kapitan, mangita ug mangutana nganong wala…ingon ko, hangyo-a si governor… inig adto, kasab-an, unya dili ma-release ang checke,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said Garcia must exercise integrity in helping those in need and disregard their feud in exercising their duties to the people.

“Ang ako lang, okay ra man siya ang manghatag. Kinahanglanon man na sa barangays,” Sanchez added.

Based on the copy of the list of checks Sanchez’ office prepared, the biggest bulk of the financial aid is supposed to go to barangays 08 and Jagbuaya in Tuburan town. Each barangay is supposed to receive P200,000.

The first district is reportedly set to receive P270,000 with P100,000 for Sibonga town, which will be received by the Municipal Treasurer. Barangay Guadalupe in Carcar City is also set to get P50,000.

The 24 barangays in the second district are reportedly set to receive at least P1 million while the third district is also reportedly set to receive approximately 1.5 million.

Thirty-six barangays in the fourth district are also set to receive checks amounting to almost P2 million.

In the fifth district, the biggest amount is supposed to go to Sogod town with P100,000 each to barangays Esperanza and San Francisco.

Three barangays in the sixth district are also supposed to receive financial assistance, including barangay Jugan in Consolacion with P200,000; barangay San Miguel in Cordova with P20,000; and barangay Cobacub in Mandaue City with P100,000.

Sanchez said he has never favored his allies in giving out financial aid. He even gave barangay Jagbuaya in Tuburan P200,000 despite the fact that its captain is a “good friend” of the town mayor, the reason why Sanchez quitted Garcia’s One Cebu Party.

Sanchez also lashed at Garcia for allegedly controlling the programs of the province and for allegedly “feeding” the municipal mayors of her own projects.

“Sila ang mo-implementar ug sila ang mu-program [sa mga projects] unya modawat na lamang ang mga mayores. Mao na akong ipadangat nga usa ka programa - empowerment of the local government unit tungod kay ang LGU man gyud ang nasayod sa problema sa ilang lugar. Tagaan na sila ug support. Mao unta na amoa i-empower.pero karon, gi-kontrolar man sa probinsya,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez admitted that his animosity with Garcia was what made him decide to be the running mate of former Cebu City Councilor Hilario Davide III who is running for governor under the Liberal Party. — Marjun A. Baguio, UC Intern/JMO (THE FREEMAN)