More bets seek Loot's reassignment

CEBU, Philippines - The boiling political pot in Cebu’s fourth district no longer confines in Bogo City but also spreads to Daanbantayan where opposition candidates are calling for the immediate transfer of Senior Supt. Vicente Loot out of the Police Regional Office-7.

In a press conference yesterday, Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez II together with Daanbantayan vice mayoralty candidate Hiram Benatiro and the rest of the members of their slates called for the relief of the police official from his current post as head of operations of the PRO-7 as the latter’s immediate family members are candidates for elective positions in the upcoming elections.

Vicente’s wife, Luisa, who is the current vice mayor of Daanbantayan, is running for mayor while his stepson, incumbent mayor Sun Shimura is running for Provincial Board member.

“Bisan unsaon nila, dili na gyud na sila kadaug diri. Bisan naa pa si Colonel Loot or wala, pilde lang gihapon na sila,” Luisa said in defense of her husband.

This developed as Martinez accused Bogo City mayoralty candidate Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung and Cebu Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of using “goons” during their campaign trail.

Martinez said that during Yeung’s first public appearance in his city, two notorious criminals were seen tagging along with her and the congressman.

“I love the thought that Junie said I have goons. At least mahadlok si Junie,” Yeung said in jest.

She however added that it is the Martinezes who are maintaining goons and she will just fight them with prayers.

Retired justice Vicente Yap, Yeung’s campaign manager, said that her chief security is retired general Benito Diamos and not any goons.

But Martinez said that the Salimbangons will never win in the upcoming elections the reason why they wanted the entire district be put under Comelec control.

“Gigabaan na na sila. Bisan unsaon nila, di na sila makadaug,” Martinez said.

Lawyer Delon Urot, Yeung’s spokesman however retorted, “They will soon find out in the coming elections kung kinsa ang tinuod nga gabaan because on that day, they will receive the shock of their lives.” —Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)