Tell it to SunStar: Standing pat

JUST recently, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia got involved in a controversial issue. It was on the IATF’s directive prohibiting motorcycle backrides in Cebu, now under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Her hardline stance got the support of the majority of the province’s chief executives and district representatives. She issued EO 19 allowing backrides.

Then came the announcement of President Rodrigo Duterte advising the governor to comply with the IATF’s directive. Without second thoughts, the governor obeyed the advice. It proved to be the best course of action to end the issue.

It is now clear that backriding is not allowed while the province is under GCQ. She stood pat on her decision allowing backriding, but all her efforts turned futile as the IATF’s directive got the green light.

In the midst of confusion and difficulty, the President has the final say and the governor has to obey the President’s fatherly admonition.