Loot accuses Gwen of backing candidates

CEBU, Philippines – Daanbantayan Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot accused Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of supporting candidates on Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections against her candidates.

Aired over DYDD-Bantay Radyo the other day, Loot said that Garcia is supporting candidates who are local leaders of Liberal Party, their opponents in the last May 10, 2010 elections.

The accusation was hurled while Garcia was still in China. The governor arrived in Cebu yesterday.

Garcia could not be contacted for comment but Capitol spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda denied the allegations of Loot.

"The governor is not involving herself in this barangay election. Somebody must be seeing, hearing and feeling ghosts," Sepulveda said in a text message to The FREEMAN.

Garcia and Loot were of the same party, One Cebu, last elections but their political ties broke down when the governor reportedly scolded the mayor for not participating in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals last August.

Loot said over the radio that opposition barangay candidates are bringing the governor's name and make people believe they have the support and endorsement.

One of those is former town councilor Hiram Benatiro who is running for barangay captain of Tapilon against the candidate of Loot, Arturo Conejos.

Benatiro lost in his barangay, Tapilon, when he ran for vice-mayor under LP in the last elections.

However, Loot said that Garcia is not a threat to her in Daanbantayan. Garcia lost in her town in the last election against her opponent, Hilario Davide III, even if they belonged to the same party.

Garcia lost to Davide of LP while her runningmate, Glenn Soco, also lost to Vice-Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

Loot has called on his constituents to properly choose candidates on Monday who can support to her administration's projects and programs. (FREEMAN)