Wednesday, August 27, 2008 ‘Leave us out of this conflict’
BOGO City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. and his son Celestino “Tining” Martinez III yesterday said they had no hand in the Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) decision that could unseat Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot.
Tining said the results of the Shimura-Loot court case with Engr. Augusto Corro and Dr. Jose de Leon have no bearing in the electoral protest he filed against Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, fourth district).
Salimbangon earlier insinuated that the Martinezes could have maneuvered the “triumph” for their allies Corro and de Leon. The decision was handed down by the RTC Branch 61 of Bogo City, under Judge Antonio Marigomen.
“But that is a purely local issue,” said Tining, whose protest is now being heard before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.
Besides, the former mayor added, the Martinezes do not have any clout over the RTC.
Junie pointed out that during the 2007 elections, the Martinezes asked the court to disqualify Salimbangon, who they alleged was not a duly registered voter.
However, Judge Marigomen denied the disqualification case.
“Nangluod si Clavel ato (Clavel was slighted by that decision),” said Junie, referring to his wife and the former district congresswoman.
“I’m surprised that they have dragged us into this...we don’t have anything to do with the issue,” said Junie of the Daanbantayan court case.
The Martinezes acknowledged, however, their support for Corro and de Leon.
“I’m happy for Daanbantayan because it has long been agonizing under Malu (Loot). At least one thing I could say is that the judge sustained democracy in Daanbantayan,” said Junie.
Tining also criticized his 2007 congressional opponent Salimbangon for hinting that no one can stop Shimura and Loot.
“They are not royalty. He should talk about service, not reigns,” said Tining. (JGA)
