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Saturday, April 23, 2005
Gwen backs Red for congressman
CEBU Gov. Garcia is supporting the candidacy of Red Durano, and disclosed that mayors of all 10 towns in the district will also do the same.
In the previous elections, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano’s group had nine of 11 mayors in the town but now Carmen and Tudela are joining the group, Garcia said.
With the start of the campaign period just six days away, Cebu Provincial Police Office Acting Director Vicente Loot still has to receive concrete guidelines from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the special elections on May 30.
Though he told station commanders in the district to be prepared for anything, Loot said they have to address some concerns that still needed clarification.
Conference
He hopes the Comelec will contact them soon so they can hold a coordinating conference. He specifically pointed out that licenses to carry firearms are cancelled during the election period.
“But what about those who are not living in the 5th district but are commuting? Some of these points need to be clarified,” Loot said.
During the election period, the Comelec usually imposes a gun ban, while checkpoints are conducted to make sure this is enforced.
Danao City and the towns of Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Liloan, Compostela, San Francisco, Poro, Tudela and Pilar will participate in the special elections on May 30 to elect a House representative, after Joseph “Ace” Durano was appointed tourism secretary.
Troop movements and other deployments will also have to be cleared with the Comelec.
Loot added that they will also be enforcing PNP guidelines for personnel who are related to candidates, which is automatic relief for police officers where their relatives are running for office until the period is over.
Stay neutral
“Some police officers even volunteer to be relieved, which is good,” he said.
Loot is also reminding his cops to stay neutral, warning that sanctions will be imposed on anyone who uses their influence in favor of a candidate.
He warned that appropriate sanctions will be imposed if they have evidence against police officers who do such.
At the Capitol, Governor Garcia said claims that the opposition in the fifth district will field Carmen Councilor Gerard Villamor if former Danao City mayor Jesus “Don” Durano refuses to be Red’s opponent is mere “intrigue.”
“Carmen Mayor Virginio Villamor assured me repeatedly that they will support whom I will support. Nireklamo sila sa mga intriga (They complained of the intrigues),” said Garcia.
“I believe he is good quality material for Congress and will provide an infusion of young and dynamic blood in the political scene,” said Garcia.
Because of the support of the fifth district, led by Nito’s group, to her administration, the governor said she will also support whom they will endorse for the special elections.
Leaders of the district already met and prepared a manifesto endorsing Red to replace Ace. The opposition reportedly has drafted Red’s uncle, Don, to run against him.
Red, a businessman, is the brother of Ace.
The filing of certificates of candidacy, which started yesterday, will end on April 28. The campaign period starts on April 29 and will end on May 28. (JPM/MEA)
(April 23, 2005 issue)
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