Mambusao mayor explains absence from 'Sinadya sa Halaran' opening
MAMBUSAO, Capiz – Mayor Jose "Joe" Alba of this town clarified that he failed to attend the opening of the province's biggest festival Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 last week due to flash floods caused by the bad weather condition.
Alba told The News Today (TNT) that he was in Iloilo City to attend the Solid Waste Management conference during that time. "However, we sent our representative to attend the LGU night," Alba said.
He added that because of heavy rains a flash flood occurred in his town which needs to be prioritized.
It was learned that 9 out of 10 mayors from the 2nd district were absent in the opening of Sinadya sa Halaran.
"If we (mayors) in the 2nd district were absent during the opening salvo, the two congressmen of both 1st and 2nd district of Capiz were also not around," Alba said.
It was only Sigma Mayor Maria Andaya from the second district who attended the opening ceremonies along with Sen. Mar Roxas, Governor Tanco and City Mayor Vicente Bermejo and five mayors of the 1st district of Capiz, and several members of the Capiz provincial board.
Tanco said that Sinadya sa Halaran celebration is not only his affair but it is also for other public officials and the entire Capiceños.
Meanwhile, other mayors were not reached for comment as to their reasons why they failed to attend the celebration.
Sources told TNT that politically the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Tanco are not in good terms with mayors to include 2nd district Cong. Fredenil Castro.