NGO chief proposes grounding Soc, son

CEBU, Philippines - Following Joavan's latest brush with the law, a non-government organization chief has challenged the Talisay City council to "ground" Mayor Socrates Fernandez and his son Joavan while Joavan is being investigated.

"Their work is legislative in nature, but if they want to, they can pass an immediate resolution grounding the mayor and his son to avoid influencing the investigation of the case," said Ereneo Leuterio, president of Hugbong sa mga Nagpakabanang Taisaynon (HUNAT).

Leuterio's statements came after Vice Mayor Alan Bucao said the council is set to investigate the matter.

"Kung ang mayor nakatabon, so kinsay next in command? Ang council, di ba? They have to use their power, legislate, dili mag-inutil kay this has happened several times in the past already. Maghuwat nalang sab diay sila nga lain napud ang mabiktima," the Hunat president said.

Joavan's name once again landed in the headlines last Monday after he allegedly pointed a gun at a mall's security guard in Cebu City.

He had however eluded arrest, and police instead got his close friend, Benedict Gabasa, who was driving a Talisay City-owned Toyota Revo without a license.

Gabasa, who was also with Joavan when Joavan reportedly mauled and detained two vulcanizing shop workers in Talisay, was able to post bail for his temporary liberty. Both Gabasa and Joavan are hired job order workers at the city hall under the quota of the mayor.

If the council would still refuse to take steps as it had done in the past, Leuterio said they would be forced to launch a recall petition against the mayor as their "last resort."

"If that's the last resort, whether it'll prosper or not, we will do it," he said.

Bucao had instructed Councilor Semy Cabuenas, head of the council committee on Ethics, to investigate the alleged unauthorized use of a government vehicle.

Report of the committee is scheduled to be submitted this Tuesday, when the council convenes its regular session.

If the recall petition materializes, it would be the second recall petition for Fernandez, a third-term mayor.

The first one was spearheaded by businessman Crisologo Saavedra in October 2008, shortly after Joavan and his minions were charged for abducting the two vulcanizing workers.

Saavedra then alleged that the people of Talisay have lost their confidence and trust in their mayor for having allegedly intervened for his son in many cases. The petition did not prosper. (THE FREEMAN)