Sanchez defends Gavel from "political tyranny"

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr. yesterday stood up on privilege to defend the official publication of the provincial board from what he claims to be another “political tyranny” in the province.

Sanchez delivered a privilege speech to defend the existence of the Legislative Gavel which Governor Gwendolyn Garcia sought to disband for being duplication to the province’s official publication, Sugbo.

Sanchez emphasized in his speech, Death of a Newspaper, that he is not going to stop voicing out his thoughts even in exchange for millions in pork barrel funds. According to him, he who cannot reason may be a fool but, he who does not reason is a slave.

Sanchez said he would rather be a fool than a slave. The Vice Governor insisted that Legislative Gavel was never a duplication of Sugbo because it was established two years ahead of the latter.

Legislative Gavel is a monthly publication highlighting legislative actions and information. It features ordinances, articles from various offices of the provincial board, such as their projects, programs and accomplishments.

While it is considered the publication of the legislative department but it does not have its own funding. Its operation during the past years was funded thru the executive department.

However, Garcia ordered to stop funding the publication in June 2010 claiming that it duplicates Sugbo. The Governor’s order was viewed as politically motivated because she is at odds with Sanchez.

Sachez said that being not in good terms with the Governor does not mean that he detest her personality.

“I know that you are all aware that the Governor and I are at odds right now. I am simply not in good terms with the Governor not because that I detest her personality but simply she has stepped over my rights as the Vice Governor,” Sanchez said.

“I know that I am politically disadvantage and even consider myself to be the little guy who is in very precarious situation when it comes to numbers,” he added.

Sanchez ended by saying that if Sugbo is important to the executive department, so is the Legislative Gavel to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (THE FREEMAN)