Magpale is vice governor

Despite apprehensions, Agnes Magpale yesterday took her oath of office as vice governor of Cebu province in the Danao City Council Session Hall before Municipal Trial Court in Cities Judge Maria Josefa Ramos and in the presence of Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III.

Provincial Board Members Joven Mondigo, Alex Binghay, Teddy Ouano, Carmen Durano-Meca, Jude Sybico, Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Sergio Restauro and Julian “Teban” Daan witnessed the oath-taking along with Danao City councilors including Magpale’s youngest son, Miguel Antonio, and his family.

“I thought about this one whole night and when I made that decision (to take the oath of office), I fell asleep. It must be the right decision,” Magpale said in an interview.

“I cannot hold hostage the interest of the Cebuanos for my own self-interest,” she said.

Magpale said she would yield the vice gubernatorial post to whoever won the elections.

She was responding to speculation she would not stay until 2013 if a poll protest filed by businessman Glenn Soco contesting the victory of the late Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. by a margin of at least 20,000 votes in May 2010 prospers.

“Even if I would be vice governor for two months, that’s fine with me. I’ll go back to private life,” she said.

She said taking her oath of office was a personal decision.

At 10:30 a.m. yesterday, Soco sent Magpale a text message saying: “Vice Agnes, I wish you all the best in your assumption as vice governor. There is no doubt in your integrity, sincerity and fairness in serving the Cebuanos.”

Former tourism secretary and Magpale’s cousin Ace Durano said, “Tiya Agnes really deserves (the office of vice governor). She has the experience to do dignity to the office.”

Councilor Miguel, Magpale’s son, said, “I will support her (Magpale) as a son… as a fellow legislator and as a councilor here in Danao. Everything that will benefit the people of Danao and Cebu we will do.”

Magpale will transfer some of her important belongings to her new office and will meet some barangay captains from different towns today.

Staff prepared her room and rearranged the furniture according to Magpale’s instructions while she took her oath of office.

Aileen Mae de Egurrola and Paolo Torralba of the vice governor’s chief of staff said they are willing to follow whatever rules and regulations Magpale will implement inside the office.

Magpale thanked everyone present and said she is humbled to succeed as vice governor. She said she could not have been next in line if not for the support and commitment of the 5th district./Correspondents Carmel Loise MATUS and Fe Marie D. Dumaboc and UPV Tacloban intern Ana Asteria Erpe