Rey Malonzo denies using dirty tricks

Reelectionist Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo denied allegations yesterday that he is resorting to dirty tricks against Rep. Luis "Baby" Asistio to win votes in the coming May 14 elections.

Malonzo’s denial came after Asistio’s camp implied that the incumbent mayor was behind the Peting Asistio posters pasted on the pillars and plant boxes of the LRT along Rizal Avenue Extension in Caloocan City.
"I don’t have anything to do with those posters," Malonzo said. He added that he is also confident that he will win in the coming elections. "I am not afraid of Baby Asistio. In fact, I have designed this battle (against him)," the mayor said.

The posters are reproductions of the People’s Tonight frontpage bearing the headline "Congressman Asistio’s son busted in shabu session."

Asistio’s son and namesake, Peting, was arrested last year in an alleged buy-bust operation. Peting was later cleared of drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms by a Caloocan City judge.

Allan Encarnacion, Asistio’s media relations chief, said there is no question as to who is behind the "black propaganda."

"It’s obvious that (Malonzo) is frustrated. If he wants to win against Baby Asistio, then the fight has to be fair and square," Encarnacion said, on behalf of Asistio who is currently in the United States on a business trip.

"Malonzo should hit Baby, not his sons. They are not the candidates," Encarcion added. He also reiterated that it is the congressman himself who orders the arrests of his sons whenever they figure in crime incidents.

Asistio’s older son, Patchot, was recently nabbed along with some friends, for stealing a pedicab, three pushcarts, and empty bottles from a Filipino-Chinese businesswoman.

The Peting posters, some of which have already been covered by those of senatorial candidates, also bore the warning. "Drugs: Walang kinikilala, walang sinasanto, ikaw ang talo." – Nikko Dizon