Magpale considers LP invitation a joke

CEBU, Philippines - For Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, the invitation of Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña for her to join the Liberal Party was but a joke.

Magpale said yesterday she did not take the invitation seriously, as “serious talks” between her party, Barug Alang sa Kauswagan Ug Demokrasya (Bakud) Party, and LP are still ongoing.

Osmeña made the invitation during Magpale’s birthday party last Saturday.

Magpale earlier confirmed that she has been invited by LP to run for vice governor in next year’s elections as running mate of Hilario Davide III who lost to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in 2010.

However, Magpale said she leaves the decision to her party, which is being led by Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano, III.

Reports have it that whatever result of the negotiations between Bakud and LP would signal a break in the alliance between Bakud and Garcia’s One Cebu party.

But Magpale assured that decisions would not affect her relationship with the governor. In fact, Garcia is already aware of the LP offer and did not issue any comment. 

Garcia was also at Magpale’s birthday party but was seated away from Osmeña.

Magpale got praises from Garcia for her leadership in the Regional Tourism Forum and her “good leadership” as vice governor.

Many politicians were present at her birthday party, but Magpale said she did not want it to be a political affair. She said she invited all congressmen in Cebu, mayors, relatives and friends.

Osmeña’s wife, Margot, a Cebu City councilor, has worked with Magpale in the “Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko” Foundation for several years.

Compostela row

In a separate development, with but a little over one year remaining, Compostela mayor-elect Joel Quiño has sought Magpale’s help in resolving the electoral protests against him and the municipal councilors.

Quiño said the camp of mayoralty candidate Richie Wagas is obviously delaying the resolution of the matter when Wagas’ camp filed a motion for clarification on the recent decision to re-canvass the votes.

Quiño said the Commission on Elections En Banc has decided to hold the re-canvassing of the votes last December 15. However, Quiño said they received a notice from the En Banc on December 14 that the schedule was postponed owing to Wagas’ motion.

The vice governor said she will request the PLC headed by her niece, Carmen Meca, to submit a resolution to the Comelec requesting for the fast resolution of the case. – (FREEMAN)