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Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Mayor: Politics behind smear drive v. councilors
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte suspects the upcoming local election has something to do with the recent smear campaign against five councilors accused of having received payola from a transport group.
In his television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" Sunday, Duterte said there could be no other motive behind the black propaganda against Councilors Jesus Zozobrado Jr., Diosdado Angelo Mahipus, Bonifacio Militar, Victorio Advincula, and Nilo Abellera.
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The five allegedly received "PR money" from the Metro Davao Transport Terminal managed by Ramesh Purswani.
Duterte said he does not believe the five officials are stupid enough to sign a document showing they received money from some groups as a favor.
He said he knows the councilors too well and vouched for their credibility, especially that of Zozobrado, who has been Duterte's legal counsel for some time now.
"Kaila nako na sila tanan. Asa na musugot mupirma ug dokumento nga magpamatuod nga midawat sila. It's rubbish," said Duterte of the allegations. (I know them all. They won't sign any document to show they received money.)
"Naa gyu'y nagbuga-bugal nila. Maybe it has something to do with politics," he added. (Someone's out to smear them.)
The five councilors earlier claimed that the recent controversy against them could have been perpetrated by their political rivals especially because the election period has started. They however did not name names. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (January 23, 2007 issue)
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