Talisay dad: I didn't resort to bribery to help son win

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City opposition Councilor Val Ylanan has denied allegation that he tried to dangle money and other attractive packages before Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen and their parents just so they would vote for his son who ran for SK federation president last week.

"Bata pa kaayo ko sa pulitika, wala ko ana. Ingun ana nalang gyud ko kadatu? Bisag kindergarten nga eskwelahan gani wa ko. Junkshop ra gyud ning akoang negosyo," said Ylanan.

Ylanan's reaction came after first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, in his speech last Monday during the honoring of 11 SK chairmen and their parents, accused "someone who is not a Talisaynon but a native of Bogo" of offering lobby money just so his son would win as SKF president.

Gullas said that at least P30,000 was offered to the parents of the 11 SK chairmen, there was even a P180,000 and a multicab at one instance, and a trip to Boracay.

But these offers were reportedly turned down by the parents of those 11 SK chairmen, hence, the city government and Gullas honored them for their "integrity" and "courage" last Monday.

Ylanan's son Val Joseph, SK chairman of Linao, was the lone contender who ran against Carmel John Burlas of Lagang, the bet of the administration candidate.

Both got 11 votes, but Burlas won via a controversial coin toss.

The young Ylanan has filed a protest in this connection in the Department of the Interior and Local Government, alleging that its officer in charge, Bertilio Pasilang, did not follow the rules governing the SKF election.

The protest is still pending before the department.

Gullas, president of the administration party Alayon, might not have directly mentioned Ylanan's name in his speech, but Ylanan is from Bogo town.

 The opposition councilor admitted that he is from there, but said that he has been a resident of Talisay City since 1985.

"Nagpuyo nako diri sa Talisay since 1985. Sila asa man ron? Bahala na ang mga tawo nga moingun sila nga sila Talisaynon," said Ylanan.

Ylanan emerged as the third councilor in last May 10 polls where he ran under Gullas' wings.

But for some reason, even before he could take his oath of office, he was already deprived of his privileges and benefits as member of the administration party, which prompted him to transfer his allegiance to the opposition camp, where he is now the third member with Councilors Danny Caballero and Romeo Villarante as the other two. (FREEMAN)