Bercede explains absence, cites conflict of schedules

CEBU, Philippines —  Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede has clarified his absence during a lunch meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Last week.

The activity held at the Capitol Social Hall was attended by Visayas governors, majority of Cebu mayors, and Cabinet members.

Bercede said he had to fly to Manila to attend a clarificatory hearing before the Office of the Ombudsman on a case filed against him and dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes for grave misconduct and usurpation of authority.

“Nilarga ko og Manila. Schedule man gud to. Duna koy hearing didto,” said Bercede, in an interview with reporters yesterday.

The mayor also assured that he had informed the secretary of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia beforehand about his absence

He said it was a conflict of schedules.

The mayor added that due to the security lockdown implemented for Marcos' visit, he opted to take his flight, which was scheduled at 3PM on Jan. 30, in order not to miss the hearing set the following day.

“I-lockdown nila 11AM hangtud mahuman, unya ang flight nako 3PM,” said Bercede.

The mayor said he had to be at the airport before his 3PM flight, and knowing the traffic problem and the lockdown implemented, he decided not to attend the activity.

“Unya kung maabtan ko sa lockdown asa man ko? Unya hearing didto og di nako kaabot, patay ko,” Bercede said.

Bercede clarified that he has no issues with the administration. He said he got an invitation for the event with the President. However, because of the circumstances, Bercede said he opted to decline and inform those in-charge of the activity about his absence.

“Wala gyud, respeto gyud ko. Naa man gud koy hearing, so, excusable gyud ba,” Bercede said, when asked if he has any resentment with the administration.

Bercede also explained his absence at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 5, when Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla met with Governor Garcia and the mayors of Cebu’s cities and municipalities.

While Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan were present, Bercede was absent.

He said he had important matters to attend to and had already informed DILG Mandaue City Director Johnjoan Mende about his absence.

Bercede said that there was supposed to be a prior date for Remulla’s visit, and during that time, he had committed to attend.

However, since the visit was moved to Feb. 5, which coincided with his scheduled work, he was unable to attend.

Bercede also said that his absence from the two visits of national officials was solely due to having more important commitments. He said he is not distancing himself from the administration.

He said should there will be invitations in the future and he happens to be free, then he will surely attend these events. (CEBU NEWS)