EDITORIAL – Authority

This paper has remained silent on the controversy generated by a story written by one of its reporters, Rene Borromeo, because it did not want to add to something that is ridiculous and absurd.

The story of Mr. Borromeo has slighted the Cebu provincial board in a way that went beyond the story itself. The story was based on a COA report, which is presumed to be correct. Had it been in error, the COA would not have released it as it is mandated to do.

Nevertheless, since the presumption is the story was in error, and hence so was the COA report, then the ire of the provincial board ought to have been leveled in that direction. Yet, as was responsibly expected of him, Mr. Borromeo apologized for the trouble the story caused.

But the provincial board wants more. It wants Mr. Borromeo to appear before it. What for? So that, if things are said out of turn, it can then bully and harass him? Mr. Borromeo has already apologized, and with that, so has this paper.

An invitation to appear before the provincial board is what it is, an invitation. It can be declined. If the board feels it beneath its dignity to have its invitations declined, then it should stop giving them because invitations are not subpoenas.

If what the board had in mind was a subpoena, then yes, it would have been correct for it to expect full compliance. But alas, it is not within the power of the board to issue a subpoena. All it can do is invite, and for which it must be prepared to accept a declination.

Besides, as the word invitation suggests, the person invited is a guest and has to be treated accordingly, especially if the invited guest is a law-abiding citizen and taxpayer to whom all public officials must bow in service and respect.

On the Capitol building where the provincial board sits is an inscription for all men to see: “The authority of government emanates from the people.” We trust that the inscription will give the honorable members of the board a clearer perspective of their authority.