Byron’s reckless statements

I PASSED by Capitol last Friday afternoon and didn’t see uniformed policemen around.

The gates were open to the public. The same atmosphere obtained Monday morning as I drove along N. Escario St.

In a manner of speaking, Capitol was silent this week until Byron Garcia, brother of suspended Gov. Gwen Garcia, dared PRO-7 Chief Marcelo Garbo, Jr. to a fistfight on suspicion that he would order the physical removal of his sister from the governor’s office.

Some people blamed media for interviewing Byron, whose reckless statement had in some way added fire to the inflamed situation at Capitol. Obviously, Byron’s show of rudeness did not do any good to Governor Gwen’s situation.

Many were in quandary what Byron tried to prove with his reckless and immature statements against Garbo. Someone asked me if Byron was ordered to make such silly statements to further muddle the issue.

While freedom of expression is a constitutional right, this should be exercised with utmost circumspection and restraint. Who was it who said, “if you have nothing good to say, better shut up?”

It may be true that Gwen no longer has the right to hold office and exercise the duties and functions of a governor after the suspension order was served on Dec. 19 at her office. I don’t think, however, that the policemen would just whisk her out of her office.

This is not in defense of the police, but I don’t suppose General Garbo would be that stupid to do it. Garbo knows his role and duties. The governor was suspended for an administrative offense. Hence, she is not a criminal.

Today is the 22nd day since Gwen held her ground at the governor’s office after the suspension order was served. Also today, the Court of Appeals in Manila will hear her petition questioning the legality of her suspension order.

I don’t even see a reason to growl at the recommendation of Garbo for the revocation of the firearms licenses of Paulo Garcia Codilla, the governor’s son, and those of his friends Joey Cal and Tonyson Lee. They are facing a criminal complaint for direct assault filed by a police officer they allegedly beat up.

I believe every gun owner knows that the right to possess a license for a firearm is a mere privilege and not a right. This is unlike in the USA where it is a constitutional right to bear arms in defense of self and country.

Garbo only recommended to the PNP chief the revocation of the firearm licenses of Paulo and his friends. If the recommendation is approved, Paulo and his friends can still appeal the ruling with the PNP in Camp Crame.

On the other hand, Gwen should abide by the result of her petition. I know Vice Gov. Agnes Almendras Magpale would not remain as acting governor any minute if the Court of Appeals favors the petitioner.

Rep. Tomas Osmeña was right. Gwen’s holding out at the governor’s office is an advantage for Junjun Davide, gubernatorial bet of Liberal Party (LP) against Rep. PJ Garcia, One Cebu party’s candidate for governor.

Gwen could have slept well and would not have entertained the embarrassment of being removed physically from the governor’s office had she gone home. After all, her petition before the CA will be taken up only today.

For now, the police under Garbo should wait for the result of Gwen’s petition. We know that, aside from police work or enforcement of the laws, policemen only follow and implement lawful orders from the executive department.