Monday, September 01, 2008 Fariñas urges village chiefs to settle 'dispute' By Rimaliza Opiña
THE unrest which now exists among the ranks of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) has reached other officials of City Hall and one of them had this to say: "settle this immediately."
"We encourage them to settle their differences for the sake of public service," Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas said in reaction to reports that some barangay leaders are prepared to withdraw their support from ABC president and Councilor Joel Alangsab.
"I did not know that there is a problem," Fariñas admitted, but stressed the need for the village officials to resolve issues confronting them and their members.
Sun.Star earlier reported that some ABC officers withdrew their support from barangay bingoteng because of the realization that this does not benefit their barangays after all.
It was learned that Alangsab and ABC vice president and Barangay Old Lucban chairwoman Eva Marie Fianza are no longer in good terms. The reason behind the reported dispute was not made clear, however.
But in a telephone interview last week, Alangsab said he and Fianza are on speaking terms.
Alangsab also confirmed reports that have been circulating there is a recall move against him. He, however, said he has yet to see a copy of the petition. He still has to meet a barangay leader who will admit they will support the recall petition.
Meanwhile, the ABC leader debunked allegations he has not been performing as representative of the barangays.
Instead of bringing him down, Alangsab appealed for the barangay leaders' help instead and "move forward."
Fariñas, meanwhile, said this issue will not affect the pending move on merging the barangays. "It's to them, if they allow this to happen," he said.
