Magpale to lead Capitol flag raising ceremony today

CEBU, Philippines -  Acting Governor Agnes Magpale is set to lead today the flag-raising ceremony at the Cebu Provincial Building, the first time since she assumed office on December 19, 2012.

Today is the first Monday for Magpale to attend office since the last two Mondays after she assumed office were all holidays.

Magpale’s son, Provincial Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, said that all the board members will also attend the flag raising ceremony.

Last Friday, Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin issued a memorandum to all Capitol department heads and employees with regards to the activity usually done every Monday.

Habin said that the front and rear doors of the Capitol Building will be opened to provide access for employees before and after the activity at 7:30 this morning.

These doors have been closed since the tension ensued with the suspension of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia who is staying in her office since December 19, 2012.Employees and those having transactions at the offices of the Capitol main building are only given access at a door at the back of the west wing.

Police personnel have been guarding the Capitol premises to maintain peace and order and to secure the facilities.

Also today, Habin announced that the Christmas bonuses of the employees will be released.

Each employee will get P30,000 and a sack of rice each as announced by Magpale during the Christmas Party at the Capitol last December 21, 2012.

The PB in a special session passed the supplemental budget amounting to P50.8 million covering the Christmas bonus of Capitol officials and employees at P30,000 and a sack of rice for each of the 1,600 employees.—  /JPM (FREEMAN)