Candidate for barangay captain accuses radioman of smear campaign

CEBU, Philippines - A candidate for barangay captain in Barangay Linao, Talisay City has threatened to file a case against a radio block-timer after the latter allegedly issued damaging words against her.

Ofelia Ylanan, wife of Talisay City Councilor Val Ylanan, said Roger Cimafranca of Bantay Radyo also allegedly used the names of Mayor Socrates Fernandez and Congressman Eduardo Gulas.

Cimafranca is a job order employee of Talisay City Hall assigned to the office of the mayor.

Ylanan alleged that on October 18, 2010, Cimafranca and another companion went to Barangay Linao and allegedly told residents there not to vote for her. Cimafranca allegedly said Fernandez and Gullas asked him to do it.

Ylanan said they were able to record everything Cimafranca said and she is contemplating on filing a complaint against him after the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections tomorrow.

In an interview, Talisay City Comelec Officer Corazon Moran said Ylanan can still file her complaint after the elections.

Moran said that if Ylanan's allegations are proven true, Cimafranca might be violating some Civil Service laws being a job-order employee. Then again, an investigation has to be conducted.

Asked for comment, Talisay City Administrator Richel Bacaltos said it is impossible for Fernandez and Gullas to issue the order. She said it is inevitable for stories to surface during elections, albeit untrue.

Bacaltos said job-order employees are usually recommended by some officials, thus, they cannot avoid but support that official come election time. City Hall cannot also control job-order employees as regards their political affiliations or preference.

Still, Bacaltos said she will look into Cimafranca's situation, especially that it has been observed he has been leaving work even before his work schedule ends.

The FREEMAN tried to get Cimafranca's side of the issue, but no one at the radio station was able to provide his contact number.    (THE FREEMAN NEWS)