Chan accused of stealing power

CEBU, Philippines — Just three days before the elections, Lapu-Lapu City mayoralty candidate Junard "Ahong" Chan has been accused of pilfering electricity for allegedly illegally tapping power from the campaign billboards of Team Deretso, headed by incumbent Mayor Paz Radaza, to power his own campaign billboards.

In a press conference, complainant George Rago, who handles logistics for Team Deretso, said the billboards of Team Libre, headed by Chan, in Pajo, Mensi area, Pusok Area, and at the Pusok-City Hall junction, were lighted up using the power source of Team Deretso.

In his affidavit-complaint, Rago said he immediately reported this matter to their campaign manager and vice mayoralty candidate Harry Don Radaza, who immediately reported the matter to the Mactan Electric Company (MECO).

Rago said that the authorized personnel from MECO confirmed that the Team Libre billboards in the said locations were illegally and surreptitiously tapping from the electrical connections of Team Deretso billboards.

"Stealing electricity from the opponent's campaign billboard is unprecedented in the history of our local politics. I never thought that his campaign slogan for 'libre' would surpass its hype of notoriety by using and abusing the electricity services paid by his political opponents free of charge for his own personal use and benefit," said Rago in his four-page affidavit.

The unfazed Chan, when sought for comment, strongly denied the accusations, contending that it was nothing more than black propaganda to discredit his name as the election draws near.

"Wa ko nangawat og kuryente oy. Di na kinaiya nako. That accusation is nothing but a black propaganda to discredit my name," said Chan.

Chan added that the Team Deretso is getting so desperate they are throwing baseless accusations against him.

"Bisan unsa na lang g’yud na ilang ipasangil nako pero wa ko mahadlok ana kay di na tinuod," said Chan.

Chan said that he even paid P54,880 to MECO for electricity for his billboards.

Team Deretso has likewise paid P142,813.44 for electricity for its billboards for 30 days.

Radaza, who is running as congresswoman, said she was appalled by Chan’s platform to "allowing flying connection of electricity" in their city.

"That is illegal wire-tapping unya tugutan daw niya ang flying connection of electricity kung siya na mayor. Ilegal kana unya imong tugutan? Klaro nga ilad-ilad g’yud ni sa katawhan," Radaza said.

But Chan said this is not a scam.

"Ang pasabot anang flying connection kay atong tugtan ang atong mga pobreng residents labi na kadtong dili maka-afford sa processing fee, sa pag-connect sa kadtong mga balay nga naay kuryente. Pero adto mo-connect sa may metro og ang pag-connect adunay pagtugot sa city engineer nga ang wire gigamit di ba substandard," Chan explained. — BRP (FREEMAN)