Magpale defends brother

CEBU, Philippines - Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale defended her brother, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, for being tagged in the issues of the province.

In an interview with the media yesterday, Magpale said that she felt sad for her younger brother for having been questioned on his statements about the suspension of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Garcia, the other day, said that Almendras should review the Local Government Code for having mentioned that the suspension was served late because the new Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary needed to review the suspension.

Almendras said that there was no intention to serve the suspension close to the election period which according to Garcia’s camp is already out of the 120 day shelf life, therefore giving President Aquino no jurisdiction of the case.

Garcia emphasized that her suspension should have been served last September which would have been within the 120-day shelf life indicated in the Local Government Code. The suspension of Garcia was posted outside her office last December 17.

Magpale said that his brother is very apolitical. “Walang kinalaman ang  kapatid ko nito. The decision (suspension) was long made even before my brother was secretary to the cabinet.”

For her part, Magpale said that she never knew of the suspension and only knew of it after it was served to the governor.

“I did not anymore expect the suspension and I always tell my partymates that my candidacy is not hinged on the suspension.”  (FREEMAN)