MikeLigalig.com

Published in the Bohol Times

*******
REACTING to the cheap politics waved by a shadowy group identified with the local opposition, Calape mayor Ernest Herrera II called on the group to come out and raise politics to higher levels.

A paid advertisement coming out in a local paper and signed by a group calling themselves "People for Calape" weeks back called on the people to be aware of the alleged "shameful acts of the local chief executive" as it accused Herrera of serious fund mismanagement, abuse of power and failure to show public accountability.

Herrera's supporters have traced the advertisement to a "non-political" group identified by retired Calape municipal health officer Dr. Sulpicio Yu, further connecting it to a political motivation.

Dr. Yu, Mayor Herrera said resigned March 16, 2006 on a four-day notice, putting the local health service in a vacuum. His resignation also put him eligible to run against Herrera's reelection bid.

That's the brand of service Dr. Yu is going to give, Herrera mouthed, saying further that the resort to get a cheap shot at muddling public opinion.

Had he intended to run, the least they could have done is to put up a program of government. But there is bankruptcy of government program, and he miserably failed in his political platform of good governance, the young Herrera claimed.

Denying the allegations outright, Herrera in an interview said the opposition has betrayed itself when it chose to go personal over more legitimate issues of government programs, which they could not come up, two weeks into the campaign.

They could have ascertained before coming out with the accusations, public records are available at the local government departments, the Mayor who is now gunning for another reelection term said.

The advertisement that came out April 8 at the Bohol Chronicle also accused the local police of politicking for Herrera, mis-use of intelligence funds, un-liquidated cash advances and the failure to put up the discretionary funds for barangays.

Over this, Herrera denied all the allegations adding that other than his personal accountability, the group could not make him account other than public service.

The cheap attempt to embarrass the local administration may even have to boomerang, Mayor Herrera hinted, but refused to comment as to how it could hurt the advertisement source.

If I have un-liquidated cash advances, would I be allowed official travels? They should have thought of that, he pointed out.

Commenting on the allegations of fund mismanagement, the young son of a former senator Ernesto Herrera said like they pointed out, the municipal budget officer and accountant can clear him out.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=105.0