Labangon officials defend stand vs. Guadalupe split

CEBU, Philippines - Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia yesterday denied rumors that an influential politician is pushing them to oppose the creation of Barangay Banawa-Ingles out of Barangay Guadalupe.

Although the politician’s name was not mentioned but talks were rife that South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña is behind Labangon’s campaign against Guadalupe split. Osmeña however said in previous interviews that he is not going to intervene in the plebiscite that is going to happen on Saturday.

Barangay Labangon officials yesterday called a press conference to explain their position. Buendia said they are opposing the split not because they were told to do it but rather because of their obligation to protect the interest of the barangay.

Buendia said splitting Guadalupe would reduce Labangon’s territorial jurisdiction because almost half of its current area will be taken by the proposed new barangay. Aside from the reduction of their area, it would also cost Labangon several millions of pesos from real property taxes as well as their share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

Buendia presented a map yesterday showing the areas within the territorial jurisdiction of Labangon at present that will become part of the proposed new barangay, as suggested by former congressman Antonio Cuenco.

In fact, Buendia himself stands to lose his residency in Labangon if the Yes vote will win in the plebiscite because part of Rosalina Village where he resides will be part of the new barangay. Aside from Rosalina Village, 16 other sitios of Labangon including Santa Ana, Paseo and Paseo Arcenas will be affected by the split.

According to Buendia, he and his fellow officials will campaign for No today in Guadalupe. Buendia said they will put posters and tarpaulins in different areas of Guadalupe to campaign against the creation of Barangay Banawa-Ingles. He also vowed to elevate the matter before the Supreme Court should the yes vote wins on Saturday.- (FREEMAN)