CEBU, Philippines - As Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia recalled declaration of Acting Governor Agnes Magpale as persona non grata in Dumanjug, the latter is open to visiting the town despite conflicts in the past.
In fact, Magpale said that even when the persona non grata declaration was approved by the municipal council of Dumanjug, she still visited Dumanjug regardless of the differences she had with the mayor of the town.
“I want to thank him for extending his hand. Ako dugay na nako gi-extend akong hand. Maybe not necessarily to him because I was not sure how he felt,†said Magpale.
Even as the persona non grata announcement was printed and posted in different parts of the town, she said this did not discourage her from going there.
Nelson, the younger brother of suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, recently said that he is willing to reconcile with opponents made during in the past election and the tension in the Provincial Capitol.
After his sister was suspended, Nelson said the municipal council passed the persona non grata resolution against Magpale for allegedly spreading lies about his sister.
But in a recent interview with The FREEMAN, Nelson said politics should now be set aside with the election over and the development of Dumanjug and other municipalities and cities should be prioritized.
He said he is willing to invite Magpale and Governor-elect Hilario “Junjun†Davide III to Dumanjug to attend their special events.
Magpale said this invitation was more than welcome.
“Walay problema. I have done that even na gi-snub ta og mga mayor. Karon pa na gi-welcome man diay ta,†said Magpale, adding that she was thankful to the residents of Dumanjug for giving her majority of votes over her opponents in the recent election.
Based on the Commission on Elections transparency server, Magpale got 6,404 votes in Dumanjug while United Nationalist Alliance bet for Vice Governor Boboy Durano, got 5,024 and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino candidate Glenn Soco got 4,214 votes. (FREEMAN)