Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Cris questions awards; ‘nagpapansin’: Capitol
BUSINESSMAN Crisologo Saavedra yesterday questioned the Cebu Provincial Government’s decision to name two Garcias as among the eight recipients of the “Garbo sa Sugbo” or pride of Cebu award.
Rep. Pablo Garcia (Cebu, 2nd district) and Winston Garcia, general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), are among the recipients of the award to be given at the Capitol Social Hall on Aug. 8.
Pablo will be awarded for government service while Winston will be cited for being a “crusader of good governance.”
Saavedra said Winston cannot be considered a “crusader of good governance” because of the numerous complaints from GSIS pensioners.
‘Not Sugbuanon’
Saavedra also questioned the award for Pablo saying he was merely reaping the achievements of former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña in Capitol.
When sought for comment, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district) said people should not put weight on the “opinion of someone who is not even a Sugbuanon.”
Lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, Capitol consultant on information, said he refused to dignify the businessman’s statement.
“Saavedra’s opinion does not deserve any consideration. Nagpapansin lang siya (He just wants attention),” said Sepulveda.
Last Monday, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia defended the selection of her father and brother saying they met the criteria for the award.
“It would be controversial if they do not deserve it (award). It just so happened their family name is Garcia,” the governor said.
The award, the governor noted, is for the “really, really outstanding Cebuanos.”
Apart from Rep. Garcia and Winston, the other awardees are Sun.Star Cebu and Sun. Star Superbalita editor-in-chief Pachico Seares, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, Presidential Management Staff Director General Cerge Remonde, Air Force commanding general Lt. Pedrito Cadungog, former UP president Francisco Nemenzo, and Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc., which is owned by Pete Delantar.
Commendations
Elizabeth Francia, the governor’s chief of staff, said Capitol will also give special commendations to the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, headed by its president Filomino Lim; Naga City-based Taiheiyo Cement Philippines; Ramon Chiu and Korean Electric Power Corp. (Kepco).
Francia said Lim and Chiu contributed to the construction of several school buildings in Cebu Province.
She said Kepco assisted the Provincial Government in its electrification program in remote villages by donating power cables.
Sepulveda said Taiheiyo is cited for its numerous contributions to the development of the Province. (GMD)
