PB: Rico Puno still welcome in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy has withdrawn his resolution seeking to declare singer-entertainer Rico J. Puno as persona non grata for humiliating Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia a week ago during a function in Mandaue City.

Sitoy, a lone member of the opposition in PB, sponsored a resolution calling for the declaration of Puno as persona non grata. Although the resolution was discussed during the PB’s out-of-town session in Aloguinsan yesterday but it ended up being withdrawn after hearing the sentiments of his colleagues during the deliberation.

 Sitoy explained that it was just an expression of disgust to the act of Puno that embarrassed the highest official of the Province of Cebu.

But, PB Member Alex Binghay said, Puno’s remarks were personal and not political. Other PB Members also shared the observation of Binghay.

Sitoy said he just wanted to protect the honor of the Office of the Governor. He however submitted to the opinions of his colleagues in the board who are Garcia’s political allies after coming up into a realization that his move was “too big for a small matter.”

Puno was recently invited to perform during the opening of a local hotel in Mandaue City. The affair was graced by prominent politicians, both local and national, including well-known showbiz personalities.

Sitoy said that Puno, in his usual comedic self, reportedly approached Garcia and made an off-the-cuff but downright disparaging remark that caused undue embarrassment to her in front of other invited guests.

Puno asked Garcia whom of the two popular beauty-surgeons in Manila enhanced her beauty prompting the governor to walk out from the event.

Sitoy said that Garcia, the current occupant of the highest elective office of the Province of Cebu, should not have been made to endure such embarrassing and humiliating experience especially from a person who was himself an erstwhile elected public official.

Sitoy belongs to the opposition camp but in pushing his move, he said he acknowledges the fact that beyond political lines and affiliation is the honor and respect that must be accorded at all times to the Office of the Governor.

“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu, therefore, does not countenance the grossly inappropriate behavior demonstrated by Enrico de Jesus Puno while in Mandaue City and, therefore, officially declares him as an ‘unwelcome person’ in the Province of Cebu,” Sitoy said in his draft resolution.

But Garcia was surprised why some people have raised an issue out of the supposed comment of Puno.

Garcia said “talking about cosmetic enhancement, I don’t think that is such a big deal because in this modern world of ours, many women and even men resort to enhancement to look good to the public but importantly maybe to feel good about themselves.”

Garcia questioned why Puno only limit to the two popular beautician in Manila when in fact there are a lot here in Cebu where she admittedly having her beauty enhanced.

While she did not take any offense, Garcia said Sitoy should have first asked her what really happened because she is the one concerned.

Garcia denied walking out from the event. The Governor said she stood up because she really was about to go then.

Garcia quoted Puno as saying, “palakpakan po natin si Governor Gwen Garcia,” when she left with the other guests.   (FREEMAN NEWS)