LP mulls filing of raps against Alayon bets

CEBU, Philippines - The Liberal Party in Talisay City may file charges against the Alayon-Nacionalista Party (NP) of first district representative and mayoralty candidate Eduardo Gullas for allegedly distributing rice, an election offense, at a gathering. 

Talisay City Councilor and vice mayoralty candidate Romeo “Romy” Villarante yesterday said his party has received word that the Alayon group distributed rice Sunday to people at an assembly inside a gymnasium in barangay Jaclupan. 

“We are studying the possibility of filing charges against them,” Villarante said.

Villarante cited Section 104 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “No candidate, his or her spouse or any relative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or his campaign manager, agent or representative shall, during the campaign period, on the day before and on the day of the election, directly or indirectly… make any donation, contribution or gift in cash or in kind.”

In a press conference yesterday, an LP supporter presented a video clip which showed that some Alayon candidates were inside the gymnasium and after the assembly, two kilos of rice were distributed in the presence of the candidates. 

A woman who was interviewed said the rice was given to them by Vice Mayor Alan Bucao. 

But in a separate interview with reporters, Alayon campaign manager Ritchel Bacaltos vehemently denied the story saying that it was not Alayon candidates that distributed the rice. The distribution was an initiative of the barangay captain. 

“The two kilos of rice did not come from us. Ang nanghatag mao ang kapitan ug dili kami,” Bacaltos said, adding that they were just there upon the invitation of barangay Jaclupan captain Joel Orbiso. 

Orbiso admitted he invited the candidates to the gathering but denied that it was an assembly. 

“Ako ang nanghatag sa bugas ug ako silang (Alayon candidates) gi-imbitar kay birthday man sa akong anak. Dili sab barangay assembly ang maong kalihokan,” Orbiso said. He said he only gives rice to his barangay personnel, which he did even before he became barangay captain. 

If proven that the candidates violated Section 104 of the Omnibus Election Code, they could face  one to six years in prison, removal of rights of suffrage, and disqualification to hold public office.  (FREEMAN)