Vice mayor: Saysons can solve rift if relative will show up

BACOLOD City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said Monday that if Julius Sayson can only show up, their family can help solve the conflict that his relative created when the latter filed his candidacy for mayor.

The vice mayor said that until now, Julius was not able to go home since he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) five minutes before the deadline of filing last October 5.

He said he does not question Julius's right and integrity to run for public office but only his motive.

Julius, who is running for mayor, the same post the vice mayor aspires for, filed his COC at 4:55 p.m. of October 5. He left immediately after filing his candidacy and never showed up since then.

Vice Mayor Sayson said he also wanted to know why Julius “went into hiding,” such that he can only be interviewed by the media over the phone.

Julius cannot be found at his residence.

Text messages saying Julius or his emissary has asked for P1 million in exchange for his withdrawal are circulating

Sun.Star tried to reach Julius through his mobile phone for his reaction but to no avail.

Vice Mayor Sayson denied, however, such reports.

Meanwhile, the two Saysons will be attending the preliminary hearing set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division at 2 p.m. of October 22. Comelec is hearing the disqualification case filed by the vice mayor against Julius.

Vice Mayor Sayson said that if Julius will not be declared as a nuisance candidate, then he will let the people choose the better Sayson.

The two Saysons are running against mayoralty candidate Monico Puentevella.