Mayor’s hand in brgy polls seen but makes quick denial

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

ELECTION issues hound Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog en route to his official trip to China Thursday.

This, after a coordinator of Mabilog’s political organization is accused of pressuring casual employees to vote for the mayor’s bet in Brgy. Rizal Lapuz Sur, LaPaz in the October 25 barangay election

Barangay health worker Thelma Miras said she and two other casual employees were summoned by a certain Jun Palma to a meeting at the house of Tony Peñaflorida, a candidate for punong barangay under Mabilog’s group.

Miras said also present in the meeting the other day were a barangay service point officer and a traffic aide.

Miras said Palma told them to vote for Peñaflorida lest they will lose their employment in the city government.

Palma also reportedly said that Rizal Lapuz Sur will not get any project from the City Hall in the next three years if Peñaflorida loses.

“We must also convince our families to vote for Peñaflorida because it would be meaningless if only the three of us will vote for him,” Miras said.

Mabilog denied Miras’ allegations saying he is not allowed to endorse a candidate in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Mabilog said some candidates approached and asked for his help but he told them to just campaign with casual workers.

“I would be violating the rules of the Commission on Elections if I endorse a particular candidate. I cannot do that,” he added.

Mabilog said while he can hire and fire casual workers, it is based on merit and performance, not political alliances.

Peñaflorida also nixed Miras’ accusation by denying that the meeting happened in his house.

Miras said she surfaced as she does not want to be forced to vote for someone she does not like. She also won’t mind losing her job in the city hall as a result of her exposé.