San Fernando village chiefs deny receiving cash from Mayor Canoy

CEBU, Philippines - Six barangay captains of San Fernando town yesterday denied claims by Mayor Antonio Canoy that he has been giving them financial aid despite their being in the opposition.“Dako nang bakak. Sukad sa akong paglingkod wa koy nadawat sa munisipyo bisag piso,” said Panadtaran barangay chief Ricardo “Nonoy” Reluya Jr. in an interview.

Reluya, whose election as barangay chief in 2010 was supported by the opposition camp, said without the aid from the municipal government, he has to make do with the barangay’s P2 million annual income, or turn to Governor Gwen Garcia and first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas for projects.

“Di ko ganahan nga gamiton mi niya sa iyang pag-ulog ulog sa mga tawo,” he said.

Barangay captains Nomilon Garces of Sangat, Reliso Enad of Balud, Done Panadero of Tanañas and Jaycee Pelimer of Pitalo, also echoed Reluya’s statement.

They all denied ever receiving P120,000 each last year, and P150,000 for this year as aid from Canoy’s administration.

Their denial came after Canoy, in an interview published in Banat News last Wednesday, said that all of San Fernando’s 21 barangays, including those in the other political parties, have received their annual aid.

“Kaming unom ka kapitan, wa mi kadawat ana bisag gamay. Gipanggukod pa man gani mi nila,” said Enad, who tagged his recent arrest as political harassment.

Enad was arrested last Monday for malicious mischief, but was released the following day after it was learned that the case was already dismissed.

“Bakak kaayo na. Kung mamakak pa mo, ayaw lang mi gamita,” said Pelimer, who admitted asking for his barangay’s share but was denied allegedly because of his political affiliation.

“Wa man tay problema kung tinuod na, gamit unta kaayo na sa barangay kung naa pa,” Enad said.

Reluya, who is the husband of former San Fernando mayor Lakambini Reluya, said he understands that the Canoys had to use all their efforts to gain the public’s sympathy, noting that the incumbent mayor is expected to run for Congress next year, while his son, Vice Mayor Miko, will succeed him.  (FREEMAN)