Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Guv questions decision to hold PCL election in private center
IF THE rule of the day is austerity, why hold the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) Cebu elections in a private convention center?
So asked Gov. Gwen-dolyn Garcia, herself parrying criticisms of holding meetings with local officials in restaurants, on PCL Cebu president Michael Miranda’s move to hold this month’s PCL elections outside the Capitol Social Hall.
Miranda, in response, said he only wanted to hold the elections, scheduled for this Sept. 17, on a neutral ground.
With his bad relationship with Garcia, who refused to recognize him as member of the Provincial Board, Miranda said he does not want to jeopardize the councilors’ activity because he could not coordinate with Garcia’s staff.
Besides, he added, Garcia should not have anything to do with the league elections.
“How can I work at the Capitol when she already got my supplies and equipment? A lot of things can happen and I don’t want nga palpak among get together just because of our bad relationship,” Miranda, who is seeking reelection, said in a telephone interview.
Austerity
Garcia, in an interview with the press yesterday, said it is surprising why the elections would be held at the Grand Convention Center when it has always been held at the Capitol Social Hall, where it is free.
“In line with the call for austerity, it would be more circumspect to hold it at the Social Hall for no expense,” said Garcia.
There were accusations earlier that in leagues’ elections, the Office of the Governor catered food only for Garcia’s allies, but Garcia denied this.
“Pakan-un nato tanan (We will feed everyone),” she said.
Miranda assured that he only wants the councilors to be happy and comfortable, as the social hall was packed with all 530 of them in the last elections, plus the secretariat and other people.
Moreover, Miranda cited the authority the PCL National Office has given him to convene the league for the elections and to decide on the venue.
“Ug salbahis pa ko, adto ko na i-hold sa Medellin pwede ra (If I were bad, I could always hold the elections in Medellin),” he said.
He said he is even giving his opponent, Consolacion Councilor Alfie Ouano, a role in the program. He also asked Ouano, although this was unnecessary, to pick one person to sit as member of the three-man elections committee.
Miranda also said he will shoulder any amount that exceeds the budget he has pegged for election expenses. (JPM)
(September 1, 2004 issue)
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