Wagas waiting for outcome of review of his poll protest

CEBU, Philippines – Former Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas said he is convinced that the Commission on Elections and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will resolve the political conflict in the town and all he can do for now is wait for the outcome of the review of the election protest he has filed.

"Nagpaabot ko sa resulta sa akong protesta. Kon duna sila'y reklamo sa DILG ug Comelec, ila na na, wala koy labot," said Wagas.

Wagas in a talk with The Freeman said he filed the election protest with the Commission on Elections against Joel Quino and other town officials and as a result Quino and his group have not functioned as public officials since they were proclaimed winners in the May 10 elections.

Wagas refused to issue further statements of the issue after Fifth District Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano VI lambasted the officials of the Comelec and DILG who alleged that the agencies had contributed to the problem in Compostela.

Rep. Durano questioned the take-over of DILG-7 regional director Pedro Noval as caretaker of the municipality.

Durano said the delivery of basic services to the people in the different barangays of Compostela have been badly affected.

He also delivered a privilege speech before the House of Representatives questioning the roles the DILG and the Comelec play the in the town.

Durano also aired his worry about businessmen who have manifested their nervousness regarding the problem.

"Daghan na kaayong mga tawo nga miduol nako ug mitaho sa problema sa lungsod," said Durano.

Earlier, Noval accused Durano of deceiving the people of Compostela and failed to give the real picture of the town.

On the contrary, Noval said the municipal government was able to save millions of pesos during his incumbency.

But Rep. Durano questioned the statement of Noval saying that the people are affected by the controversy.

Durano promised to scrutinize the budget of both Comelec and DILG. (FREEMAN)