Sta. Barbara liga prexy, dads made targets of black propaganda
Executive and legislative divide in the Municipal Government of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo heightens anew following a week of widespread ‘black propaganda’ here.
The latest victims to be hurled into the limelight were Vice Mayor Rodulfo Delgado Jr. and four town councilors. Used as excuse by yet to be revealed suspects was the P7.8 million supplemental budget sought by Mayor Isabelo Maquino.
An open letter entitled “So that the Public May Know,” laid down planned programs and projects pushed by Maquino. Problem was, the open letter went, Vice Mayor Delgado Jr. and Councilors Rema Somo, Juan Senupe Jr., Remegio Gumban and Wilfredo Subong allegedly caused the loss, literally, of the proposal.
Yet while the five were hit and painted as the “bad guys,” the “good guys” were also highlighted namely Councilors Dennis Octaviano, Arnulfo Sumagpao, Bonifacio Sonza, Manuel Sumaylo and Ramon Martin Licup.
“Despite the vote of the five SB members in favor of the proposed projects and programs as against the continuous objections of the four SB members, the vice mayor Rodulfo S. Delgado Jr. who is also the presiding officer, declared the proposal “LOST; Therefore the opposition of the four SB members and the vice mayor denies the good people of Santa Barbara the benefits due to them,” excerpts of the open letter as obtained by The News Today (TNT) went.
Relatedly, yet another open letter was also circulated around town this time with another precise target in Councilor Subong. The president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) here, Subong as ex-officio member of the town council confirmed the report. (See related story)
TNT in a follow-up learned that the series of open letters were believed to be the handiwork of Mayor Maquino and/or his aides.
A desperate move, one longtime town employee said, and payback for the questions raised by the vice mayor and four councilors on certain projects and deals of the mayor. Requesting anonymity, the TNT source added that the multi-million deals here that triggered the “demolition job” included the P10 million public market project that was also questioned in the past. Also a trigger factor was the planned purchase of heavy equipment proposed to be funded by a P10 million loan.
Councilor Subong though appears to be the biggest victim with a move seeking his ouster now made. TNT learned that a petition was passed around citing Subong’s purported inefficiency while rallying his peers in the liga to declare their loss of trust and confidence on his presidency.
At least ten punong barangays came out to confirm the report with information disclosed that signature campaign against Subong did emanate from the mayor’s office.
Stella Hembra in an interview with visiting reporters decried the move while stating her support on Subong. Similar sentiments aired by punong barangays Gregorio Mortales, Ian Solivio, Casiano Saludares, Nelida Porcelo, Pancho Sarial, Ponciano Souribio, Aquilina Eschucha, Teresa Solatorio and Benedicto Suñero.
The said punong barangays met with members of the local media as show of support on Subong’s leadership. The group said most of the signatories on the ouster letter were either misled or pressured.