Former Palawan Governor and current 2nd District Representative, Jose Ch. Alvarez, has spoken out about his falling out with Governor Dennis Socrates, offering an explanation for the latter’s departure from the Partidong Pagbabago ng Palawan (PPP) and the differences in their governance styles.
In an interview shortly after the PPP Convention on Saturday at a hotel in Puerto Princesa City, Alvarez was candid in expressing that many people have voiced their regret over the changes in the provincial leadership and longed for the return of his brand of public service, which he described as “Numero Unong Serbisyong Totoo sa Tao”—a hands-on, action-oriented approach.
He recalled that during his tenure, even when he had visitors at the Capitol, he would excuse himself if someone from a barangay arrived, ensuring that the public had easy access to him.
Alvarez lamented that such accessibility is now lacking under the current administration.
“Marami ang nagsisisi, marami ang nagpahiwating sa akin na kung maaari bumalik na ako dahil miss na nila yung Numero Unong Serbisyong Totoo sa Tao na pagpunta sa Kapitolyo. Maski may bisita ako kung may taga-barangay na dumating sa Kapitolyo, nilalabas namin nag-i-excuse ako sa bisita,” he pointed out.
Alvarez also criticized the reshuffling of hospital chiefs by Socrates’ administration, calling the move a violation of the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.
He explained that transferring a chief of office and relegating them to an inactive role is prohibited, citing what he believed were mismanagement issues in the health sector.
Despite Socrates’ background as a lawyer, Alvarez pointed out that these actions exemplified failure in governance.
“Wala yan sa kasulukuyan—hindi nila makita—ma-access yung governor. Pangalawa, kung bisitahin mo ang hospitals, lahat ng chiefs of hospitals pinaglilipat-lipat nila. Eh, mali yon. Merong Magna Carta ng health workers. Bawal yung chief of office, ilipat mo at ilagay mo sa—eh, yon ang ginawa ng kasulukuyang governor. Ayaw ko makialam sa kanya dahil abogado siya,” Alvarez added.
“I confronted him,” Alvarez further stated, adding that his primary concern was ensuring the availability of medical supplies in hospitals.
Alvarez said that he would rather face imprisonment for advancing funds to purchase medicine than see a patient die due to a lack of supplies, blaming other politicians for failing to take similar bold action.
He also contrasted his record of governance with Socrates’, stressing that during his time as governor, he consistently received the Seal of Good Local Governance, a recognition for exemplary public service.
“Kasi sa kanya good governance. Eh, good governance, [samantalang] wala kang seal of good governance. Maski isa wala. Eh, ako sunod-sunod yong seal of good governance ko,” he said.
Alvarez voiced too, his frustration over the lack of progress in programs he implemented that were aimed at improving the lives of Palaweños.
He implied that the current administration has failed to deliver the pro-people services that were prioritized during his term, leading to widespread discontent across the province.
