Loss of confidence: Magpale fires prov’l treasurer

CEBU, Philippines - For loss of confidence, Cebu acting governor Agnes Magpale sought yesterday the replacement of Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre.

Magpale claimed that Salubre committed lapses in his financial report to her since she assumed office as acting governor on December 19, 2012.

She alleged that Salubre submitted inaccurate cash balance report to her, prompting the acting governor to request the Bureau of Local Government Finance to examine Capitol’s finances.

“I want to have people I can trust and rely. I lost my trust and confidence in him,” said Magpale, who wrote the BLGF to replace Salubre.

Salubre, for his part, said he will accept Magpale’s wishes and will step down once he receives the order from the BLGF.

The provincial treasurer is appointed by the Department of Finance.

In the meantime, assistant provincial treasurer Emmanuel Guial assumed the post.

Magpale criticized

Magpale’s move to fire Salubre was criticized by suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and her brother, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who said that Magpale is confused of her position.

Garcia advised Magpale to review the Local Government Code and her actions.

“Ang iyang actions so far seemed to show nga reckless kaayo, dinali-dali,” Gwen said.

Pablo John, who is running for governor under One Cebu party, said that Magpale has been trying to intimidate department heads and provincial employees with administrative sanctions if they not cooperate with her.

Pablo John warned Magpale to stop harassing department heads and other provincial employees.

Magpale had issued a memorandum extending the appointment of all casual and contractual employees for one month.

Their contract was supposed to expire last December 31.

“By issuing that memo, she has merely added to the confusion of the Capitol, she has already usurped the powers which do not belong to her,” Pablo John said.

Pablo John said Magpale was just confused.

“Ang iyang confusion lies in the fact that she thinks she is actually the governor,” he said.

Pablo John also found it ridiculous for Magpale to use the letterhead of the Office of the Governor when she is the vice governor.

“I hope that she will really get real legal advice,” Pablo John added.  —/LPM (FREEMAN)