Pama 'cha-chas' on Ceneco candidacy

ERNESTO Pama, a candidate for Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) board of directors in district four-Bacolod East, filed his candidacy last April 4, withdrew it last April 20, and on Monday said he is again pursuing his candidacy.

Former Development Bank of the Philippines employee Pama, along with retired Ceneco employee and former Ceneco employees union president Roy Cordova, will run against incumbent Ceneco president Engr. Edward Gasambelo for representation of district four in the Ceneco polls slated April 30.

He filed his affidavit of retraction Monday, stating that his previous reason of his inability to finance and work for his campaign now changed.

“Just a few days after I filed my affidavit of withdrawal, some of my relatives and friends came to me and informed me of their commitment to support and aid my candidacy,” said Pama.

He said that after a thorough reflection, "I believe that I have to pursue and maintain my desire and commitment to represent the consumer-members of district four in the Board of Directors of Ceneco in whatever circumstances I shall be facing, all for public service."

Meanwhile, Gasambelo disclosed that three candidates - namely Nestor Sedillo, executive assistant of Bacolod Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, Barangay 39 chieftain Dante Danoy and Pama – recently withdrew their candidacies for the Ceneco board.

He pointed out that the same lawyer, Cesar Beloria, who works with the City Legal Office, notarized their affidavits of withdrawal and the documentary stamps in their affidavits bear successive numbers, namely No. 333, 334 and 335.

According to Gasambelo, Ceneco is not a joke for Mr. Pama to retract his affidavit of withdrawal.

“I wonder if he is serious in his decision of seeking election in Ceneco, as his actions showed how topsy-turvy he is. I will be writing the Ceneco Election Screening Committee to reject his request for the restoration of his candidacy,” said Gasambelo.

He added that he will file a protest and seek the perpetual disqualification of Pama from seeking election in the Ceneco Board.

The screening committee is still deliberating on the candidacies of Pama and Cordova as of press time.