Opposing camps in Bulacan mayoralty row dig in

SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan — The mayoral dispute between court-proclaimed Romero Venturina and incumbent Mayor Edgardo Galvez is threatening to trigger violence that could lead to bloodshed if not resolved by the Commission on Elections.

Venturina told The STAR that his supporters are losing their patience.

"My supporters are willing to fight just to install me into office as the duly-elected mayor of San Ildefonso after winning the election protest I filed against Galvez, but I am trying my very best to maintain their calm, because I do not want to see bloodshed among my town mates just because of political matters," he said.

Supporters of Galvez also said that they are willing to fight just to prevent Venturina from being installed as mayor. But Galvez said there is no tension building up in his camp. He said that he can still control his group but asked the early resolution of this case as this hampers the growth of the town.

Last April 15, Judge Wilfredo Nieves of the Malolos regional trial court declared Venturina duly-elected mayor of this town. However, Galvez secured a temporary restraining order from the Comelec, setting aside Venturina’s proclamation. When the TRO lapsed after 20 days, a writ of execution was issued by Nieves, installing Venturina into office.

Galvez refused to vacate the mayor’s office, and filed an appeal before the Comelec’s second division.

As of yesterday, the gates of the municipal hall are still blocked by a dump truck, and a bulldozer, while the municipal hall building is barricaded by Galvez supporters. — James Mananghaya