Kaban ni D_BystandeR: KUWESTIYONABLE NGA MEDALYA???

More than 8 months after scholarship medals were ordered by the suspended governor Gwendolyn Garcia from Suarez Arts Metal Technology in Cebu City delivery was made to the Office of Governor Agnes Magpale at the Legislative Building of the Capitol but was refused acceptance because Gov. Magpale was in Bantayan Island and only Magpale can decide on it. The Purchase Order was dated July 4, 2012 yet or  5 months before Gov. Gwen was suspended by the Office of the President on December 19, 2012. The medals costing a whooping amount of P520,000 and called as "Governor's Excellence Awards" with Gwen's face and name engraved on it are intended for distribution to deserving graduating students in all public schools in towns and cities throughout Cebu province which has about 1,100 public schools. It was ordered in two batches: first batch - 1,300 pcs. - "imported silver medals" specified for "antique silver finish; the second batch - 1,300 pcs. - "imported brass medals" specified for "antique gold finish." Each is costing P200 apiece.  Taking the cue  from DILG ban against mounting the name or images of public officials in "billboards and signages of government programs, projects and properties" under Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),  auditors have listed the practice as an example of "irregular expenditures." The Purchase Order was seen being initialed by Gov. Gwen and approved on her behalf by Eduardo Habin, Provincial Administrator. Magpale has said the medals are expensive and, added, they still have to check the supporting papers. What is more important is the availability of funds considering that lots of bills from the previous administration are now  coming up for payment.  Beneficiaries of scholarship program are  valedictorians, salutatorians, and top 20 honor students.

 Each of them to get P1,000 per month - to enroll in education, engineering, and computer related courses at Cebu Normal University (CNU) and Cebu Technological University (CTU). Attempts were made to get the reaction from the suspended governor Gwen at her known mobile phone but calls remained unanswered. PJ Garcia, when contacted and asked about it claimed he has no idea about this news regarding medals.