Friday, October 06, 2006 Guv's aide hit for 'meddling in PB affairs' By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Vice Governor Joseller Guiao on Thursday criticized an aide of Governor Mark Lapid for allegedly "interfering with the concerns of the Provincial Board (PB)."
In an interview over GV-FM radio in Angeles City, Guiao identified Lapid's aide as Jun Castro who, he said, called up Board Member Johnny Quiambao and questioned the lawmaker's participation in the investigation of a barangay chief in Mabalacat.
The vice governor was referring to one Taruc who is the chairman of Barangay Madapdap, Mabalacat and has a pending administrative case in the PB. The case was filed by officers of the Madapdap Resettlement Homeowners Association Inc. (MRHAI)
Quiambao is the chairman of the PB committee on justice, which is hearing Taruc's case.
According to a source, Guiao was fuming mad after being told by Quiambao of Castro's apparent attempt to pressure the board member during the PB's regular session last Monday. He wrote Lapid last Tuesday, calling the governor's attention to the incident "which undermines the integrity and independence of a board member and the whole PB itself."
"It is with deep concern that such an incident involves a person closely identified with you and your office," the letter stated.
Based on Guiao's letter, Castro is allegedly Lapid's executive assistant but sources said Castro is not an employee of the Provincial Government. The same sources said that Castro is allegedly involved in the implementation and awarding of infrastructure projects of the governor's office.
Guiao said that while Castro's call to Quiambao was private in nature, the content of the call was an affront to the province's legislative body as it questioned its jurisdiction and function. "As its (PB) presiding officer, I am writing to inform your office that your executive assistant should be made to explain why he should encroach in Board Member Quiambao's realm of responsibility," he said in his letter to the governor.
Quiambao could not be reached for a comment as of press time.
Castro, for his part, said he never meant to interfere with the affairs of the PB even as he admitted having a private conversation with Quiambao. He said that he has no intention to challenge the integrity and independence of the PB, much less meddle in Quiambao's job.
He said he has the highest respect to all board members, especially to Quiambao.
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