MisOr guv defends brother-in-law over graft charges

MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny "Bambi" Emano on Wednesday, July 25, came to the defense of former Cagayan de Oro City councilor President Elipe saying the latter will one day be vindicated from the charges which he claimed was politically motivated.

Emano said he would let the court decide as he puts his trust to Elipe that the latter would overcome this trial.

Elipe, Emano's brother-in-law and current manager of the Misamis Oriental Integrated Sports Complex, was convicted for graft and falsification of public document by the Sandiganbayan. Elipe is set to appeal the decision.

"Nagtuo ko inig-abot sa panahon nga Prexy will be vindicated (Time will come that Elipe would be vindicated)," Emano said.

The governor said the case faced by Elipe was a result of envy and retaliation from their political opponents.

"Bunga mani sa kasina nga makabalos sila sa mga hiwi nila nga binuhatan," Emano said.

Emano hits at their rivals in politics whom he said have always been tainting the reputation of his family and discrediting his programs for the people of the province.

The capitol's top official said his political foes in Cagayan de Oro City have been trying to discredit his administration's successful programs because the city does not have one to be proud of.

"Ako na lay mauwaw ana ilang seal of good of good education governance murag ila na lang manang panabang kay wala man silay Seal of good local governance (SGLG) pero unsaon taman nga wala man sila mauwaw," Emano said.

For his part, Elipe said somebody must have a hand in trying to silence him from being vocal on the affairs of the City Government.

"I would think naa gyud nagpaluyo ani ug gihimo ni batok kanato tungod sa politikanhong katuyuan. Dili lang unta apilon akong pamilya kay klaro man nga ako ilang tumong niini (This is because of politics. I hope they would leave my family out of this)," Elipe said.