Osmeña aide raps Garcias for ‘poll offenses’

CEBU — An employee of Vice Gov. John Gregory Osmeña has charged Gov. Pablo Garcia with rampant violations of the Omnibus Election Code and asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify his daughter, Gwendolyn, from the gubernatorial race.

Osmeña and Gwendolyn are rivals for the top provincial post.

In a complaint addressed to provincial Comelec supervisor Edwin Cadungog, Ernesto Arcenas claimed that Garcia initiated projects and activities under the guise of delivering basic services but which were allegedly designed to benefit his daughter’s candidacy.

Arcenas is asking the Comelec to investigate his allegations and impose appropriate sanctions against the governor if he is found liable. He is also seeking Gwendolyn’s disqualification.

Arcenas alleged that Gwendolyn, without any qualms, prodded her father to appoint her as provincial consultant for systems, promotion and development when in fact the position was meant to prepare her for and enhance her candidacy in the May 10 elections.

Sought for her reaction, Gwendolyn said, "This is a knee-jerk reaction of panic-stricken and desperate people."

She said her only wish was for "these people to have more thought, more substance and some brains in their numerous allegations."

In his two-page complaint, Arcenas said that despite the 45-day ban under the Election Code as well as other Comelec resolutions on the matter, Garcia authorized the release of P1.2 million in provincial funds for the purchase of 30 motorcycles for the use of agricultural technicians.

He claimed that Garcia also authorized the release of P4.8 million for the purchase of 6,000 bags of rice for Gwendolyn to distribute to farmers.

He said the bags of rice were withdrawn from a National Food Authority warehouse only last April 27 for distribution by Gwendolyn to town mayors who, in turn, used them for election purposes.

Arcenas further alleged that Garcia used provincial equipment and personnel to transport plastic chairs to public schools in the towns where the rice distribution ceremonies were held. — Freeman News Service