Gwen, Greg trade barbs over Tuburan asphalting projects

CEBU, Philippines - The conflict between Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. continues, as they exchanged accusations over the implementation of road projects in Tuburan town.

Yesterday, Garcia asked Sanchez to stop spreading lies to the Cebuanos using the media.

Garcia was reacting to the statement issued by Sanchez to reporters the other day that the provincial government allocated P10 million for a 14-kilometer road opening in Tuburan town.

Sanchez said based on their computation, it cost P714,000 per kilometer, while the road project implemented through his office only spent P2.7 million for a 4.7-kilometer road.

Garcia, assisted by Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre, presented a visual presentation of the road opening from Barangay Alegria to Barangay Kan-an in Tuburan town.

The road from Barangay Alegria passes barangays Marmol, Kabangkalan, Mag-alawa, Kan-an, Tumogpa, Kalunsing, Kaurasan and Bangkit has a total distance of 25 kilometers costing P6.5 million.

Garcia said based on their computation it cost P258,347 per kilometer contrary to the claim of Sanchez that it reached P714,000 per kilometer. She said Sanchez's accusations are a sign of panic.

Sanchez admitted that he was only informed of the anomaly and he has gathered no documents yet. He also denied he is panicking because the Provincial Legal Office is still conducting an investigation of the road projects in Tuburan town funded by his Legislative Assistance Fund.

“Nabali naman hinoon ni, ako naman hinoon ilang giingnan nga na-panic nga wala man koy kaso nga giatubang,” said Sanchez.

The vice governor said Garcia is just trying to draw attention away from the Balili lot purchase and the Cebu International Convention Center.

Sanchez challenged Garcia to file charges if they believe there are irregularities in the implementation of his project.

The Provincial Legal Office is now conducting investigation the alleged irregularities of the road opening projects in Tuburan town funded by Sanchez’ LAF.

The Tuburan barangay captains have been ordered to liquidate the funds used in implementing the projects. – THE FREEMAN