WHILE I believe that the election of Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) officials in Cebu City will become a “bidding war” but I doubt if the buying price would reach P1 million per barangay captain. The ABC election will be held on July 30.
The “former political has-been” accused newly elected Mabolo barangay captain Niña Mabatid of engaging in massive vote buying to entice barangay captains, especially those allied with his Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), to support her candidacy. He said Mabatid approached his allies and offered the said amount.
He said he is collecting documents to prove his allegation and will file the necessary charges against Mabatid. He will get statements from the concerned village chiefs. Mabatid vehemently denied the allegation.
Mabatid for her part claimed the BOPK-endorsed candidate, Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklin Ong, was the one who offered money to barangay captains. She said Ong offered up to P300,00 per barangay captain. Ong also denied the allegation. He asked why he would offer such amount when he has the support of majority of the 80 barangay captains. Well, this has become a she said, he said case.
But I don’t think that Mabatid will offer such amount just to win the ABC presidency--even if she has the money. Would Niña spend more than P40 million just o get the majority of the 80 village chiefs? Niña’s wealth is hard-earned and I don’t see any logic of her spending that amount for nothing.
What’s in the ABC that she would spend that amount? Even if there is corruption the council, she cannot easily recover that money. And if indeed there is corruption, a councilor cannot do it alone. Bribes and lobby money should be shared among the members. Unlike if you are a chief executive. You can use your sole power and authority for your personal gain. Dili na ka mamahin.
You are not that powerful if you are a city councilor. You are just “one of the boys.” If Niña has that money, I would advice her to keep it and spend it for next year’s election by running for mayor or any other a higher position. Spending millions of pesos for a seat in the council? Not worth it.
I suspect that the “former political has-been” floated this issue as a sort of black propaganda against Mabatid and destroy her image and reputation. And not only Mabatid’s reputation but also of those who will support her. Aron pasanginlan ang mga kapitan nga mobotar ni Mabatid nga mga nawong og kwarta.
What has not been mentioned is that one candidate for ABC president other than Mabatid has actually been shelling out money to barangay captains. They hold regular loyalty checks in the guise of live-in seminars, socials and parties. After the affair, the candidate would allegedly give them P10,000 each. I know this because there are barangay captains who openly relayed the information to me.
Sa una nga eleksiyon sa ABC, tag-P5,000 ra man ang gipanghatag sa mga kandidato. Pero karon dagko na. Grabe no? Bidding gyud ni.