Guv: Rivals plot ‘cash advance’ issue

WANTING to set the record straight, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno said the issue on cash advances hurled against him is only used by his political rival as a vehicle to destroy his candidacy.

Moreno, who is running for mayor in Cagayan de Oro against incumbent Mayor Vicente Emano, said in his radio program over the weekend that the cash advances, aside from it being legal, was not only incurred during his administration but years ago.

He said this also included the time when Emano was still governor of the province for 12 years since 1986.

Moreno said cash advances are part of the “running affairs” of the government.

“First, those (cash advances) were not mine. Second, that is needed in running the affairs of the government granting it will be liquidated immediately,” he said.

Moreno claimed that the province has been a recipient of Galing Pook Award twice.

He said nominations for Galing Pook Award are based on the local government’s best practices.

“We have brought back the dignity and integrity of Misamis Oriental and the good relationship and partnership between the Provincial Government, the church and non-government organizations (NGO) are proofs of their trust,” Moreno added.

He said all these were not even done during the time of Emano.

But Emano regarded Moreno’s statement as “weak” as he urged the governor to explain clearly and liquidate the cash advances immediately.

Records show that the P96 million alleged unsettled cash advances at the Provincial Capitol represented “unsettled accumulated cash advances” incurred by former provincial officials and employees from 1973 up to 2009, including former governors and incumbent governor, former provincial board (PB) members and incumbent PB members, incumbent congressman and provincial employees. (Abigail Chee Kee Malalis)