Case eyed vs “Never Again” source

CEBU, Philippines - Whistleblower Cris Saavedra is considering of filing a case against the group behind the “Never Again” banner at the Cebu International Convention Center, saying the government structure should not be used for political propaganda.

“Governor Davide is ill-advised on this. He should order its removal immediately. This banner is also bad for Cebu as this may project an image that Cebuanos are corrupt,” Saavedra said.

The “Never Again” banner was first seen sometime in October this year and Governor Hilario Davide said it was the group named Good Governance and Development that put it up at the CICC.

Davide said the banner fit his cause against corruption.

“Ang maong streamer pwede man kana masabot sad nga Never Again Davide or Never Again Garcia. Pero ako I am protecting the interest and reputation of Davide. Di ni maka-ayo niya. Angayan nga iyaha gyud ng ipatangtang,” Saavedra said.

“Ang kontra ni Davide pagka-gobernador kay si Winston man and Winston has nothing to do with the CICC,” Saavedra said.

Winston Garcia who is challenging Davide for governor in 2016 is the younger brother of former governor and now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia.

It was Saavedra who sued Gwen for the alleged overpriced CICC.  Just recently, another huge “Never Again” streamer with the text “P840, 202,438.05 People’s Money Wasted!!!” printed on it was seen at CICC.

The figure represents the total amount the provincial government paid when CICC was constructed during Gwen’s time. The CICC was built in 2006 for the 12th ASEAN Summit in 2007.

Reacting on the second “Never Again” banner, Gwen said, “Oh? And he said he had no idea who put that up. That new banner shows that the present administration has been lying all along, or is totally inept, or worse, a bunch of fools who are clueless about what’s going on.”  

She said the move of Capitol to put up a new banner at the CICC is intended to divert the issue away from its plan to destroy a heritage building inside the Capitol compound – the old Bureau of Agriculture extension (Baex) building.

She said the building is protected by the National Cultural Heritage Act, which prohibits the demolition of buildings over 50 years old.

 “It is also a manifestation that Davide’s utter neglect to repair the CICC is deliberate, purposeful and a malicious political ploy to exploit the historical building for their political sloganeering. On the other hand, this inept and clueless administration intends to tear down the Baex,” Gwen said.

 She suggested having the building restored by retrofitting instead of tearing it down. (FREEMAN)