Tom demands public apology from Garcia

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is demanding a public apology from Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia for accusing him of recalling a city-owned bus from Barangay Busay and allowed it to rot instead at the South Road Properties.

In a Facebook post, Garcia lambasted Osmeña, who allegedly recalled the bus from Barangay Busay and allowed it to rot instead of allowing the residents to use it.

“Tell Raymond Garcia to apologize or I will accuse him of libel. He said I got the bus so that the people cannot use it from Barangay Busay,” the mayor told reporters.

If Garcia will not apologize, the mayor said he will press charges against the councilor. Osmeña said he was informed that the bus is already beyond repair.

“But I will grant his (Garcia) wish. Tell him to pick it up beh. They can use it. Your wish is granted. You get it,” the mayor said.

Earlier, Garcia said that the mayor should release the bus so the residents of Barangay Busay can use it. In a phone interview, Garcia said he will issue public apology if he will find out that he got wrong information from the barangay officials of Busay.

“Well before I will issue a public apology, I really want to find out kon unsa gyod ni katinuod kay that was just a post by barangay councilor Kevin Sanchez,” he said.

Garcia said he was told by Sanchez that the bus was in running condition when recalled by the city government. Even after the inventory of the vehicles, Garcia quoted Sanchez saying the city did not return the bus to the barangay, which could have been useful for its residents.

“Paghuman ana, wala na gibalik ug gipa-standby ra didto and it was left to just rot there in the city-owned property. So, if ever, before I want to issue a public apology, I want to know kun kinsay sakto ug kinsay dili. I will investigate the matter myself,” Garcia said.

Garcia said he will also check the statement of Department of General Services head Ronald Malacora who said that the bus figured in an accident.

Garcia said he will try to finish his investigation and meetings with barangay officials of Busay to know the truth about the matter as soon as possible.

Malacora, for his part, said the bus was not recalled by the city government but was already in the repair bay even during the administration of then mayor Michael Rama. He said it would be expensive to repair the vehicle. (FREEMAN)