Magpale appoints anti-drug officer

CEBU, Philippines -  Acting Governor Agnes Magpale has appointed and designated her private lawyer as executive director of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC).

In an Executive Order No. 2 dated January 25, 2013, Magpale named lawyer Magnificus Cañete to replace lawyer Jose Ma. Gastardo, a former consultant of suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

“To date, the CPADAC is devoid of an Executive Director, by virtue of the vacancy left by Atty. Jose Ma. C. Gastardo, former CPADAC Executive Director and Consultant of the Governor’s Office,” said Magpale in her EO.

Magpale said that it is imperative to fill in the vacant position of Executive Director in the CPADAC in order to maintain and ensure continuity of the operations of the Commission, in furtherance of its objectives.

Cañete is tasked to manage the day to day affairs of the Commission, prepare all meetings, maintain records, oversee and coordinate all functions of the Commission.

He shall also submit recommendations for appropriate action by the Commission.

The Province of Cebu has an appropriation of P5 million for this year for the anti-drug abuse program.

The Provincial Board has enacted Ordinance No. 2011-14 creating the CPADAC and will strengthen the coordination and integration of all government agencies in terms of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects.

It was authored by Board Member Carmen Remedios Meca who is acting as vice chairperson of the Commission. The chairperson is Magpale, being acting governor while Garcia is suspended for six months.

Under Garcia’s management, the provincial government and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated (RAFI) inked a pact for the “Just Say No” program of the CPADAC in time of International day against drug abuse last year June 26.

Garcia and Fr. Ernesto Javier, member of RAFI Board of Trustees, signed the memorandum of agreement. (FREEMAN)