Mabatid: Palace offers 20 cops as my security

CEBU, Philippines — Mabolo, Cebu City Barangay Captain Prisca Niña Mabatid claimed she has been receiving threats after she announced her plan of running for the top post of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

Due to the threats, she said Malacañang has offered at least 20 policemen to join her security detail.

“Well, the office of the president has already offered me a security but they’re not being deployed yet because I need to fill up some forms but they are willing to give me 20 policemen to help me, support me and to watch over me,” she said.

Even though she was endorsed by the Office of the President, until now she has yet to decide whether or not to run for ABC president.

Candidates for the position are given until Thursday to file their certificate of candidacy at the ABC office in the South Road Properties (SRP).

“As I have said I have not decided yet. Technically I am ready, I got the numbers, I have the platforms, I know what to do if I become the ABC president but I am not decided yet because I am considering the safety of my family, especially my kids,” Mabatid said.

“I have no idea. I really don’t have an idea. Must be the political opponent… Yes, of course, I think that is automatic, you will receive threats because they will move heaven and earth for me not to run for ABC,” she added.

She also reiterated that she did not offer opposition barangay captains money in exchange of their votes in the upcoming poll.

Mabatid said she just vowed to give “financial assistance” to the barangay captains that will be used in their respective barangays for projects, among others.

“That’s a better word, financial assistance but never vote buying. To help their constituents, they need it. Me as a barangay captain, I know nga kada taud-taud naa’y mangayo nimo nga mga constituents,” she said.

Earlier, at least eight village chiefs claimed they were offered money ranging between P300,000 and P1 million in exchange of voting for Mabatid for the ABC presidency.

While they all declined the bargain, they did not reveal the names of the middlemen who facilitated such deals as their way of “respecting” their colleagues.

Among those who came forward that they were offered money include Clifford Niñal of San Nicolas Proper, Juvito Ladraso of Sapangdaku, Sergio Ocaña of Sawang Calero, Victor Buendia of Labangon, Francisco Benedicto of Zapatera, Fredie Esmas of Day-as, Virgil Cabigon of Apas, and Domeng Lopez of Tinago.

At the press conference, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said Mabatid received threats due to her “bad attitude” being a public official.

“Good for her.  She starts behaving like that, of course people got angry at you. She’s an embarrassment to Cebu. She’s an embarrassment to Mabolo. People in Mabolo are very good, they are not like that. I have never seen a barangay captain like that,” he said.

Osmeña admitted that he is not confident that Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan’s bet, Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklyn Ong, will get the ABC president post, since Mabatid has a lot of money to buy the votes of barangay captains.

“I am not confident because she has a lot of money. I’m just hopeful that this people will support what is fair and true. And I am very proud of the eight barangay captains who came forward and admitted. It’s not easy to turn down P1 million. They’re not rich, atong tagaan og respeto,” Osmeña said.

Meanwhile, Ong denies the accusation that he bribed his allied barangay captains in exchange of votes for the upcoming election.

Earlier, Mabatid alleged that Ong has promised the barangay captains to treat them abroad if he will get the ABC’s top post.  Unlike the mayor, Ong is confident to get the position since they earned the majority bloc.

“Strongly, I have a strong faith with my party mates, among kauban,” he said.

Yesterday, during the general assembly of newly elected and re-elected barangay captains at Bayfront Hotel, more than 50 BOPK barangay captains wore black t-shirts printed with “Bag-ONG ABC.”

Outgoing ABC President Phillip Zafra, in his message, hopes that the new ABC president will ensure the independence of the body.

“I want of course nga mapadayon ang independence sa ABC. Yes, you have to look into the political aspect sa imong presentation kung diin ka gikan. At the end of the day, I’m suggesting what is the best for the association and barangays should prevail over anybody else,” he said.  (FREEMAN)