Pelaez files case against Visayas Ombudsman

Businessman Efrain Pelaez Jr. filed a complaint against Visayas Deputy Ombudman Pelagio Apostol for allegedly failing to resolve cases he filed with the anti-graft office.

Pelaez, who is running for Lapu-Lapu city mayor under the administration Liberal Party, said Apostol should be held liable for “gross inefficiency and gross neglect of duty.”

In response, Apostol, challenged the candidate to a face-off so he could show the complainant that the Ombudsman Visayas already acted on complaints, including that of Pelaez.

“Let Pelaez come here and we’ll face each other. Perhaps, he will only get embarrassed. Doesn’t he know that we have a zero backlog of cases?” Apostol told reporters./Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol

MUSLIM GROUP FOR RAMA

A group of Muslims living in Cebu City promised to give at least 4,500 votes for reelectionist Mayor Michael Rama.

Hadji Rasul Polo Abangon, chairman of the 29 Muslim Community Leaders in Cebu Province and Cebu City, clarified that they are not part of the Muslim group which gave their support to Bando Osmena- Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) candidates on Monday.

Abangon said they felt offended by the sweeping statement of Sultan Naif Punut, president of the Council of Elders for the Muslims in Central Visayas, that Muslims in Cebu City are for BO-PK candidates.

“Kung mag supporta siya (Punot), siya lang (If Punot supports BO-PK, he should do it alone),” said Abangon. He said his group prefers Rama as someone easier to deal with.

Punot said on Monday that his group would deliver at least 5, 000 votes for BO-PK candidates led by Rep. Tomas Osmeña who is running for mayor against Rama./Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

TOMAS: CITY HALL TRUCKS USED FOR RAMA RALLY

Cebu City Rep. Rep. Tomas Osmeña complained that heavy equipment of City Hall was used to prepare the venue of a Team Rama rally in Tigbao, barangay Talamban.

A grader, pay loader and dumptrucks did road clearing work last yesterday in preparation for a Team Rama rally last night, he said.

Mayor Rama denied this saying: “I have no instructions that city-owned heavy equipment will be utilized but if the clearing operation is for public purpose that will be good.”

Candidates of both Team Rama and BO-PK candidates went around the bigger barangays of Cebu City’s north district last night to campaign.

Team Rama candidates were in barangays Talamban, Lahug and Carreta while BO-PK candidates and their supporters had a mini rally in barangay Mabolo./Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac