Davide: Who’s accusing Garcias of wrongdoing?

CEBU, Philippines -  Gubernatorial candidate Hilario “Junjun” Davide, III yesterday clarified that he did not accuse the Garcias of any wrongdoing when he made the challenge to open up their bank accounts in the name of transparency.

Davide, provincial chairman of the Liberal Party in Cebu, said he was not implying anything when he issued the challenge to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and her brother third district Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia nor accused them of being guilty of something.

“Guilty tingali sila. Ngano naghisgot na man sila og accuser? ( Maybe they are guilty) I am not accusing them of anything. Ingon ra man ko magdungan mi og abli.  I would like to know how transparent he can be, open ba siya ana,” Davide said.

PJ questioned Davide’s challenge saying that the latter should know that the burden of proof lies on the accuser.

Nevertheless, PJ said that if Davide would open his bank accounts first, they would follow. Davide said though that it should be the Garcias who should open their accounts first since they are the incumbent public officials and would need to be transparent.

“Ngano ingnon man ko nila paunhon ko nila? But I said earlier though na magdungan mi,” said Davide admitting that he already anticipated that the Garcias would not accept his challenge.

Aside from the challenge to show bank accounts, Davide also dared Gwen to disclose the financial condition of the province by publishing it in local newspapers so the people of Cebu can see where their money is spent. 

“The public deserves to know where their money went,” Davide said.

Davide said that the Garcias can continue on criticizing him and questioning his capabilities but should be transparent on the expenditures of the provincial government since it includes the taxes of the people.

He said that the Cebuanos should see where the P27 million allocated for the Balili development was taken from.

Davide also believes that it is “very scandalous and indecent” for Governor Garcia to be going around the province, giving out assistance to barangays, together with PJ and other candidates under the One Cebu party.

“Unsa may labot ni Pablo John Garcia sa second district pananglitan, nga iya 3rd district man? Unya ipagawas dayun na gikan nila ang hinabang,” Davide pointed out.

Davide said that he also saw a video footage of the governor making a speech in a town in the province wherein she gave out assistance and allegedly said that it was for the people from her.

“Decency lang unta ba. It’s not her money, it’s the people’s money,” Davide added.

Davide said that he will not be attending the scheduled presentation of the Governor for details of the Balili property.

Garcia earlier announced that she will make a full detailed presentation open for public and government officials to show them that they are not hiding anything from the public and that all the developments made in the property are legal. 

“Thanks but no thanks. Dili man ko interested sa power point presentation. Ako lang tubagon niya ang among kiha sa Ombudsman,” Davide said.

Davide filed a criminal case for violation of the Anti-Graft  Law, grave abuse of authority, oppression, gross misconduct or conduct pre-judicial to the best interest of the service and for violation of RA 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and Board Member Arleigh Sitoy also filed separate criminal and administrative cases against Garcia. —FPL (FREEMAN)