Magpale hits critics, seeks pals support but, five PB members snubbed her inaugural address

CEBU, Philippines - Newly installed Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale took the podium yesterday to deliver her inaugural address after succeeding the second highest position in the province following the death of then vice governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr.

Magpale took the opportunity to hit back at those who did not like her assumption to office.

Magpale got comments from critics like, “dawat lang og limpyo,” and some even dared to change her name to “Magpule.”

Other comments which Magpale said as equally unflattering like, “it’s luck, it’s destiny and it’s by operation of law.”

Magpale said they are all correct but one thing is more certain, she never dreamed of the position and did not grab it from someone.

“I hesitated to assume as vice governor, but since I am called to embrace this position under pain of administrative penalty – thus I have to follow what is mandated by law,” Magpale said.

Magpale expressed that she took oath amid insecurity of serving the full term and the uncertainty of where to go in case.

The pending electoral protest filed by defeated vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Anthony Soco against Sanchez put Magpale in a dilemma.

“Until when will I cling to the position to serve the full term left void by the late vice governor Sanchez was an agonizing question,” Magpale said.

But for now, Magpale said she will focus to continue to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office.

She vowed to defend and protect the integrity and independence of the legislative department without necessarily engaging a verbal tussle with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Magpale said fiscalizing can be carried out and accomplished in a professional manner where objectivity of issues rises over any hidden personal agenda.

Magpale challenged PB members to work together as a collegial body that the Cebuanos can truly trust and be proud of.

She asked the commitment of support and cooperation of her colleagues, punctuality in attending caucuses and sessions; propose and pass resolutions that are worthwhile.

“Let us enact quality legislations that truly redound to the benefit of the public,” Magpale added.

But, as she sought her colleague’s punctuality in attending caucuses and sessions five of them were absent yesterday. They were PB Members Arleigh Sitoy, Peter John Calderon, Julian Daan, Wilfredo Caminero and his son ex-officio member Alladin Cameniro, representing the SK Federation. (FREEMAN)