SC rule ends Bulacan gov tiff

By George Trillo

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — Tension over who is the legal governor in this province after the Supreme Court issued a verdict declaring Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza as the rightful governor of Bulacan Tuesday afternoon March 23.

More than 100 policemen deployed at the provincial capitol compound to maintain peace and order led by Senior Supt. Fernando S. Villanueva, acting Bulacan police director, after learning that Villanueva said well trained policemen from the Provincial Public Safety Management Company headed by Supt. Manuel M. Lukban Jr. and intelligence operatives headed by Supt. David N. Poklay, deputy police director for intelligence and investigation, were strategically deployed around the provincial grounds to ensure that no untoward incident happens and also to see to it that no government facility will be damaged as a result of the verdict.

When Mendoza arrived at the capitol building, he thanked all provincial government employees who welcomed him with hugs and kisses.

“Una, kasama ang buo kong pamilya, taos puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa Diyos at pangalawa sa aking mga kababayan na patuloy na nananalangin at sumusuporta sa atin,” Mendoza said during the thanksgiving mass at the second floor of the capitol building the other day.

The teary eyed but triumphant provincial executive said he has never lost faith in the integrity of the high court.

As this developed, Mendoza called on his rival, former Gov. Roberto “Obet” Pagdanganan to help in spurring more growth and development in the province.

He said the former governor and agrarian reform secretary can contribute a lot in boosting the development of the province because he is also a good Bulakenyo leader.

“Magtratrabaho pa tayo ng husto. Meron pa tayong ilang buwan para maglingkod sa lalawigan ng Bulakan,” Mendoza said.

Former Bulacan Gov. Josie dela Cruz, the elder sister of Mendoza, also expressed her thanks to God and her provincemates for their trust and support.