Sanchez family laments dad, son’s condition

As she and her family marked the second death anniversary of her husband the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. last Monday, Leonarda Sanchez bewailed her son Greco's recent arrest for alleged possession of illegal drugs. Leonarda, 77, said she and her eldest daughter, Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez-Zaballero could only stand by and hope that 39-year-old Greco learns the errors of his ways and recovers from his drug addiction. She denied Greco's allegations that she has locked herself in a room and that someone else signs documents for her. “I'm very much alive. I can write my name, I can sign for myself. I can even read without glasses,” Leonarda said. In a separate interview, Greco, who has been released on bail, said he hopes that he and his family can settle their differences soon. “It would be good for us to find a solution to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner,” he told Cebu Daily News. As a parent, Leonarda described Greco as street-smart and one who can manipulate people into doing what he wants. “He needs help, we are really willing to help him through rehabilitation and medication,” Leonarda said. In the interview, Leonarda cried while describing Greco as a child. “Greco is not the Greco that I know, because when he was young, he was a good boy. He talks well, he writes well,” she said. Greco has been in and out of rehabilitation 18 times. Leonarda said he failed to complete his sessions because her husband would get him out after a few months of stay. The elder Sanchez said she doesn't want to blame her late husband or anyone for their son's situation. “As parents maybe we did something or lacked something but I cannot pinpoint what because my husband was a good man, a good father,” she said. Leonarda said Greco may have longed for his father's presence like any other son. “But because he was a politician, he lost a chance to bond with Greco. I think Greco needed him as all boys do. As a mother, where did I go wrong? Because I love that boy. I love him that's why we want him treated,” she said. Leonarda is hoping that through rehabilitation, her son can return to their family whole again. She recounted that her husband would send her to Gigi's home while he stayed with Greco at their Maria Luisa Subdivision home during his wild mood swings. Gigi said she didn't stop Greco from talking to their mom. “My only condition is that there should be a doctor present, or policemen around. He should be sober. No drugs around. That's the only timie he can talk to my mom,” she said. Gigi said her anti-drugs advocacy isn't included in her program because of her brother's condition. “I volunteered myself to the dangerous drugs board. I will make drug rehabilitation centers, whether I win or lose,” she said. Greco apologized to Gigi for all his shortcomings. “I hope she won't close her heart to me,” he said. /Christine Emily L. Pantaleon and Ador Vincent Mayol