Jong to Sanchez: No reconciliation, just work

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol consultant and spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda yesterday urged Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr. to stop talking about reconciliation with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia if it is only for his personal gain.

This was Sepulveda’s statement on Sanchez’s willingness to reconcile with the governor, if he is respected as head of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, co-equal to the executive department.

“Dili man reconciliation ang iyang gipangayo. Kadaugan man sa iyang tinguha nga magpalabi siya. Is that reconciliation? He is not after for reconciliation, he is after sa iyahang gihunahuna nga entitled siya,” Sepulveda said in an interview with reporters while Garcia is in vacation abroad.

In response to the call of Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal for him and Garcia to reconcile for the good of Cebuanos, Sanchez had said he is always open to reconciliation, but he set conditions.

He said he respects the executive department, which he accuses of not respecting the legislative department. He also said that after Garcia took away most of his functions at the Cebu Provincial Board, with the tolerance of the majority of his colleagues, all he has to do is strengthen his good relationship with the people.

“Gigamit lang niya ang reconciliation isip dekorasyon. So there’s no need to talk about reconciliation,” Sepulveda said.

For Sepulveda, it is good for One Cebu and the office of the governor that Sanchez remains with the opposition because of the “position he is taking and the company he keeps.”

“Let’s not talk about reconciliation, let’s talk about how are we going to perform our duties, responsibilities and obligation as public servant,” Sepulveda said.

Sepulveda said the governor has been reconciling as she continues to give assistance to towns and cities with the opposition. He cited Bogo, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Asturias and Tuburan whose leaders are political opponent of Garcia but continue to get assistance from the Capitol.

“That’s the essence of reconciliation, we will continue that. Kung ang atoa prinsipyo sa politika di gyud magka-meet, we can continue to disagree but let us be disagreeable with each other,” Sepulveda added. — THE FREEMAN