Magpale is now vice governor

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Governor Agnes Magpale yesterday officially took her new post as successor of the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

"I am humbled to succeed as vice governor by operation of law and I couldn’t have been the next in line in the hierarchy of the officials in the province if it were not for the solid support and full commitment of the fifth district,” Magpale said in her speech.

She took her oath before Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and Danao City Municipal Trial Court in Cities Presiding Judge Maria Josefa Ramos at the session hall of Danao City.

“For two reasons I chose to take my oath here in our beloved city, a major part of the district, since Danao is truly home to my heart: Danao is where I was born, Danao is where my dreams and hopes were nurtured, Danao is where the seed of my public service started to grow,” Magpale added.

Before she took her oath of office, she consulted friends, lawyers and relatives if she will remain as acting vice governor because of the pending election protest filed by businessman Glenn Soco, who lost to Sanchez.

Magpale said the election protest will affect her if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolves the protest in favor of Soco.

But she decided to take her oath because it is her responsibility to succeed the post vacated by Sanchez. It would not be a problem for her even if she would end up serving as vice governor for only two months, she said.

Soco sent her a text message congratulating her and she read this before members of the media: "Vice Agnes I wish you all the best in your assumption as vice governor, there is no doubt (in your) sincerity and fairness in serving the Cebuanos. More Power and Best Regards."

The oathtaking ceremony was attended by former Department of Tourism secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Danao City officials and members of the Provincial Board and their staff members and relatives.

Sixth District Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano said the assumption of Magpale as vice governor help provide a better environment at the legislative department.

Other members of the board shared Ouano’s observation.

Former tourism secretary Ace Durano, on the other hand, said the people of the fifth district are happy now that Magpale is vice governor.

He dismissed insinuations that he will take the post that Magpale vacated.

Ace’s father, Vice Mayor Durano, who is the president of Bakud Party, said they decided not to recommend a replacement for Magpale’s seat at the board because of the pending election protest filed by Soco.

Magpale said she wanted a simple oath taking ceremony. The Danao City officials and some members of the Provincial Board offered her a video presentation of her political life.

“I shall forever be grateful, it is an honor greatly prized and cherished indeed. My gratitude is immeasurable and eternal,” she said.

She explained that she took her oath before Vice Mayor Nito because he is her political mentor. “You all know the tale of how he convinced me to come and join politics. It was a great change from the academe to where I am now as I tell him time and again. I gave my best as representative of our district not only because I’ve always lived the dictum my parents left me - to always give my best to anything I do - but also because I want to be accounted worth of the trust Vice Mayor Nito gave me,” added Magpale. (FREEMAN)