Sepulveda denies Gwen-Glenn rift

CEBU, Philippines -  Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is terminating the services of the Mandaue Integrated Manpower Services (MIMS) because she has already lost her “trust and confidence” to the agency.

This, according to Capitol spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda as he denied rumors that Garcia terminated the janitorial service of MIMS because the governor allegedly had a falling out with Glenn Soco, son of MIMS President and Chief Operating Officer Adelina Soco.

Sepulveda pointed out that Soco is still a member of Garcia’s One Cebu Party which still supports his pending election protest against the late vice governor Greg Sanchez.

“Wala na kaayo mahimuot ang gobernador sa serbisyo sa MIMS so gi-terminate to give opportunities for the others to bid,” Sepulveda explained.

The media yesterday asked Sepulveda’s reaction, in behalf of the governor, regarding an opinion column saying that Garcia and Soco have a falling out and the cause was the governor’s lack of commitment to support the latter’s protest against Sanchez.

One of the provisions of the contract previously signed by the Capitol and the MIMS, stated that the governor can replace MIMS if she lost her trust and confidence to their services.

“Soco understands that this is purely a service contract,” Sepulveda told reporters yesterday.

Sepulveda said the services of MIMS will be officially terminated 45 days after September 28 but their services will be extended on a monthly basis if no other agency has been chosen to replace them.

As of yesterday though, Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre told Sepulveda that there were already two bidders whose financial bids were already opened. A third bidder asked for reconsideration after their bid was denied by the Bids and Awards Committee.

Salubre, when asked, said MIMS did not participate in the bidding.

By next week, Sepulveda said they may already choose another janitorial service for the Capitol after having the governor’s final decision on the matter. — (FREEMAN)