Garcia hits Capitol over ‘belated claim’

CEBU, Philippines - Gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia has urged the provincial government to put its “money where the governor’s mouth is.”

Garcia issued the statement in relation to “the belated claim” of the Office of the Governor that it is “shouldering all expenses” in repatriating the remains of OFW Lotis Camocamo.

Garcia quoted a report published on the Capitol website that the provincial government is only facilitating with the Department of Foreign Affairs the repatriation of the body of Camocamo.

“There’s a mountain of difference between ‘facilitating’ and ‘shouldering the cost’ of the repatriation. Their news story will bear out the fact that their only pledge was to shoulder the burial cost,” Garcia said.

 Garcia said the family of the OFW would not have gone to the Blas Ople Foundation had they already received an assurance from the governor’s office that it would shoulder the repatriation cost.

“It is easy for the governor’s staff to now promise the family of Camocamo the moon and the stars now that there’s mounting public pressure for them to act,” said Garcia.

“Had I not spoken, would they make a clear statement that they are shouldering the cost of the repatriation? Of course not,” he added.

The Capitol, however, has described Garcia’s allegation to be “totally baseless.”

 In a press statement, the Capitol pointed out that it assured to shoulder all repatriation expenses for Camocamo, a native of Toledo City, whose body is still in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Camocamo died on October 29 last year, but her  demise was known by her family only on December 27.

“Camocamo’s mother, Zenaida Yu, visited the governor’s office last January 19. Her concerns were immediately acted upon on the same day,” the Capitol’s statement read.

 “Cebu Governor (Hilario) Davide III committed to shoulder everything after having exhausted all other sources and to ensure no duplication of efforts. The Governor was always ready to come in anytime,” it added.

 As of last Friday, the family was still in the process of completing the needed supporting documents for the repatriation.

Aside from the repatriation expenses, Capitol will also extend financial assistance for the burial of Camocamo once her body arrives in Cebu.

Rocelyn Zosa, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Social Welfare Officer, noted that this is not the first time that the Capitol helped in the repatriation of a deceased overseas worker.

“Spending for the repatriation of an OFW is not the mandate of the provincial government, but the governor used his discretionary approval,” Zosa added.  (FREEMAN)