Capiz SP declares provincial administrator persona non grata

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Wednesday declared Provincial Administrator Edwin Chinel Monares persona non grata (unwelcome).

The declaration was contained in a resolution endorsed by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Provincial Federation President Renzo Teves.

The reason for the declaration was the alleged combatant behavior of Monares against members of the provincial board and the alleged misleading act pertaining to the P79-million supplemental budget requested by the executive branch.

Board Members Eleuper Martinez and Esteban “Steve” Contreras questioned the resolution as it would create additional tension between the executive and the legislative.

But majority of the members strongly endorsed the resolution because of Monares’ alleged disrespect of the provincial board members.

The resolution was approved by the eight members while two voted against and one abstained.

The resolution said that Monares is no longer welcome with the members of the legislative, either in private or his official functions as provincial administrator.

Monares questioned the authority of the provincial board under the local government code in declaring him persona non grata.

He said the provincial board prioritized the persona non grata resolution instead of acting on the request for the supplemental appropriations of the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) amid pandemic.

Meanwhile, the provincial board also passed a resolution calling for the resignation of RMPH chief Dr. Edmarie Tormon for alleged mismanagement of RMPH.

Majority of the members approved the resolution endorsed by Board member Weldie “Tambol” Apolinario.

Board member Enrique Martin said the resolution should immediately be acted upon by the governor to save the provincial hospital from mismanagement.

Martin said that instead of healing the mess of the hospital, the acting chief put the blame on the provincial board.

The provincial board has asked the governor to appoint a competent chief to manage the hospital.

Tormon refused to comment on the move of the provincial board although she said she respects their decision.