Drilon, Iloilo mayors accused of buying votes

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Franklin Drilon and some mayors of Iloilo reportedly promised infrastructure projects to barangay officials in exchange for supporting certain candidates, according to a complaint filed by Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco Jr.

Syjuco, who filed the charges with the Commission on Elections on May 2, named the senator, former mayor Romulo Cabana, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Alonsabe, and Mayors Dennis Superficial of Sta. Barbara, Enrique “Ike” Rojas of Leganes, Gregorio Brazas of Zarraga and Rolito Cajilig of Leon as respondents. Drilon and the mayors are members of the Liberal Party (LP).

Syjuco is seeking re-election under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). His opponents are Pavia town Mayor Arcadio
Gorriceta and party-list Rep. Salvador Cabaluna III.

The lawmaker alleged that last April, Gorriceta and Drilon met with the local mayors and barangay captains and promised to provide them projects such as farm to market roads, flood control and livelihood projects, and cash in exchange for their support to Gorriceta’s congressional bid.

He said the funds for the promised projects would not only come from Drilon but also from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) that was intended for his district.

Gorriceta denied Syjuco’s accusations. “As far as I know, Syjuco was the one who banked on money to win,” he said.

Earlier, Syjuco’s camp accused the LP of taking advantage of the P5.7-million educational fund from Malacañang.

Re-electionist Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. brushed aside Syjuco’s accusations.