Saavedra visits Garcia, Byron says “Thanks but no thanks”

CEBU, Philippines -  Crisologo Saavedra, who had filed cases against suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, yesterday visited Garcia in her office.

Saavedra went up to the office of  Garcia yesterday and stayed for 10 minutes. He approached the staff of Garcia, asking if he could have a conversation with her.

When asked on the purpose of his visit, Saavedra said that he merely wanted to pay Garcia a visit and confront her on issues like the Balili property which was reportedly accredited recently by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Saavedra said that he would like to know personally if Garcia’s administration really did get a permit from PEZA since he knows that it would need a presidential approval. He said that what may have been issued was a pre-qualification clearance since accreditation would need an ECC, a Department of Agrarian Reform conversion clearance, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources verified survey return and a Local Government Unit endorsement before a presidential approval can be obtained.

“If ever they were able to obtain one, I would like to congratulate her.”

Apart from which, Saavedra said that he was just concerned on the health of the suspended governor. “I just came here to see, as a concerned citizen, how is she doing and ask her when is she going down to campaign.”

Saavedra said that since Garcia has been staying in her office for more than a month now, he believes that this may cause problems to her health.

Garcia, through her staff, sent her message of gratitude for the visit but said that she cannot see him as of the moment. 

Saavedra said that he understands and left but after 20 to 30 minutes, returned to the Capitol grounds.

He said that he went to the Department of Health to seek advice on the possible concerns on Garcia’s health.

“From here, I went to DOH to inquire if they could possible render public service to the suspended governor if she would submit herself a psychiatric examination. After undergoing self confinement for 30 days, it is fair for the people of Cebu to undergo psychiatric examination if she is mentally capable of running for public office.” Saavedra said that he is willing to undergo the same test with the Garcia.

However, Garcia’s camp brushed off the issue.

Byron Garcia, younger brother of the governor, questioned the visit of Saavedra. 

“He has never been a friend. The ones that visit Gwen are loyal friends and Cris Saavedra has always been a loyal enemy.” Byron assured that his sister is in the pink of health and added that Saavedra should take his own advice.

“Thanks to Cris Saavedra for visiting but no thanks.” (FREEMAN)