Cing chides gov’t agencies for mishandling family case

Dodging charges that he abused his wife and children, Sen. David M. Cing yesterday vowed to investigate government agencies that he claimed have overstepped their responsibilities to intervene in family affairs.

In a news conference he called after the allegations of family abuse came out in the media, he expressed “regret” that they have been made public before all aspects of the issues have been considered.

The embattled Tinian senator, however, assured his constituents that he would resolve the problem as soon as possible while he continues his duties as legislator.

Although he regards the case as a private matter, Mr. Cing raised concerns over the way it has been handled by the Division of Youth Services, the school and the legal system.

“I love my family and want the very best for them,” he said in a statement. “I also acknowledge that I am not a perfect parent and that I sometimes struggle to balance my family life and my career as a politician.”

Daria C. Cing, wife of the senator for the last 20 years, has petitioned the Superior Court for a temporary restraining order to protect her and their three kids from her abusive husband.

In her petition, she enumerated the physical abuse she experienced since 1981 as well as the violence at home that she said has affected the studies of the children.

Based on the complaint, she said the senator went berserk when he found out that DYS has taken custody of the two minor children since Oct. 20.

But Mr. Cing maintained it is wrong for DYS to remove the kids without first consulting both parents and that they are taken away when there is obviously no apparent threat to their welfare.

“I am concerned that what I am experiencing at the moment is bureaucracy run wild. Once I have resolved some of my personal problems I will definitely be making further investigations into parental rights,” he said.

“It is a very delicate matter and heavy handed interference by the government in the way families discipline their children will often serve to inflame or ignite the situation,” added the senator.

He also admonished counselors and school principals who should know first what they are doing and must value the rights of the parents before they intervene in family affairs.

In justifying the need to probe agencies tasked with responding to domestic violence, Mr. Cing stressed this would prevent other people from being victimized by the “negligence” of these agencies.

“We have to limit our government here and draw a boundary because I don’t believe the government can come into your house and tell you how to discipline your kids,” he told in an interview after the conference.

If there’s indication that he has failed his duties as father to his children , then “I would allow the government to put me in jail and throw away the key,” he said.

“If I am molesting my child, I would allow the government to execute me or cut my head,” added the senator.

According to Mr. Cing, his wife’s petition is scheduled to be heard today in the family court where lawyer Joey A. Arriola is expected to defend him.