“DIRTY tactics”

That was the reaction of Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy, daughter of the late Councilor Elmer Sy, on the reported endorsement of mediaman Marlon Solidum as her father’s replacement at the Bacolod City Council.

“The endorsement was made clearly to circumvent our election laws and other existing laws because the signatories therein had, after signing, signified their candidacy and took their oath under the Nacionalista Party," Sy said.

She said several members of the Nacionalist People’s Coalition (NPC) met and preempted district city chairperson Congressman Greg Gasataya’s action by disseminating to local news outlets regarding Solidom’s appointment.

Sy claimed that her father wanted to endorse her to replace him in his NPC post due to his deteriorating health condition.

She said the ongoing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic limited their movements, although an application of intent for her to replace her father was submitted to Gasataya.

A nurse by profession, the younger Sy is running for councilor under Asenso ticket of former Third District congressman and Bacolod mayoralty candidate Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez.

Solidum, on the other hand, ran together with the deceased councilor under Grupo Progreso (GP) of incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia back in 2018 but only landed in 13th place.

He is again seeking a seat for the city council still under GP.