Mabilog denies handing cash gifts to newly elected officials
The recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election has its own share of irregularities—from vote-buying to disenfranchisement of voters to cash gifts to elected punong barangays and SK chairs.
A day after the barangay and SK election, reports on Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog allegedly handing out cash money of P1,000 for punong barangay and P1,500 for SK chairmen came out. The cash gifts were reportedly given to the new officials as Mabilog's way of congratulating them.
Interestingly the cash gift for SK chairmen is bigger compared to that of barangay captains. Sources say Mabilog made it as such because he needs the help of the SK chairmen to ensure the victory of his nephew John Mabilog, who is planning to run as SK federation president. John, is a newly elected SK chair of Barangay Tap-oc, Molo.
Mabilog's brother Jerry also won in the barangay race in Tap-oc. He was chosen by former Barangay Capt. Segundina Morales. Jerry ran against Percy Mijares.
The reports on the cash gift was denied by Mabilog. He said he will be taunted by some elected barangay officials if he gave them P1,000 as there are elected officials who have money. He computed that it will take him P180,000 in order to completely provide all the 180 barangay officials “token” for their victory.
Mabilog said it is not true that he gave such amount to punong barangay. However, later Mabilog said there is nothing wrong to give cash gift to newly elected officials for their victory party.
On his nephew's plan to run as SK president, Mabilog said he will support his nephew as he himself long wanted to become president of the then Kabataang Barangay (KB) but lost. They should not be discouraged but encouraged, said Mabilog.
While, Mabilog also said he will not give a go signal for his brother to run in the Liga ng Barangay. He should first work for the good of the barangay.
He cited that his brother's predecessor, Punong Barangay Morales, was a good performer and his brother should match the quality of service rendered by her.