MikeLigalig.com

printed by the Bohol Sunday Post

Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco gave the town a 97% passing grade in its history-setting campaign to prevent vote-buying in Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

The town was recently in the limelight when majority of the candidates aiming for 352 seats at stake in the May 29 elections signed a covenant spurning vote-buying.

The crusade, which was spearheaded by municipal local government operations officer Victor Lapiz, drew nationwide attention because it meant going against the tide.

Evasco gave his commitment to the crusade along with his political rivals in the town, Vice Mayor Gabino Redulla and Board Member Jose Veloso.

The covenant signing, which took place on the first day of the campaign period last Oct. 19, also drew inspiration from Fr. Efren Dolauta, Maribojoc parish priest, who lauded the move of the rival political factions.

Lapiz and Evasco said the contending candidates and their supporters know each other and are in the best position to guard each other against vote-buying.

In an interview with Station DyTR, Evasco admitted that there were complaints of vote-buying in at least two barangays, Poblacion and Dipatlong.

The mayor said he has ordered the police to file appropriate charges against those accused of violating not only the covenant but also the law.

"In filing this case, I want to make a statement," he added.

Evasco said he is hoping that the success of the campaign in the last election would set a precedent to rid the town of vote-buying in future electoral exercises.

Meanwhile, a policeman is in hot water after he was accused of slapping a man he suspected of not voting for his wife.

The suspect was identified as one SPO1 Arturo Moncendo, a member of the Guindulman PNP.
SPO1 Tirso Jayoma told Station DyTR that the incident took place on the evening of Oct. 26.

The complainant identified as one Concordio Maquido alleged that the policeman slapped and kicked him on suspicion that he did not vote for the cop's wife who was a candidate for barangay captain in Barangay Catungawan Norte.

Sr. Supt. Edgardo Ingking, Bohol provincial director, said he was disappointed when he learned of the incident.

Ingking said policemen are not supposed to engage in partisan political activity.

The provincial director said he has ordered an investigation prior to the filing of appropriate legal action against the erring policeman.

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