A petition for recall was filed yesterday against the vice mayor and first councilor of Samboan town in southern Cebu over accusations of disloyalty in the One Cebu party of Gov. Gwen Garcia.
Seven Samboan municipal councilors who filed the recall petition said they lost confidence in Vice Mayor Rogelio Capa and his son-in-law, Councillor Jeffrey Catipay.
They were led by Emerito Calderon, former congressman and current president of the Samboan Association of Barangay Councils.
Calderon said they heard reports that both officials were planning to bolt from One Cebu and oppose it.
Both had reportedly invited Samboan barangay captains to a meeting where they revealed plans to establish an opposition party against Calderon’s son, Raymond, who is Samboan mayor.
Calderon said these internal maneuvers could threaten the harmony of town officials, majority of whom belong to One Cebu and threaten the delivery of basic services in the town.
“We are in one party. We supported him for three elections… But we found out from the town folks here that they are hatching a plan to take over the municipality,” said Caledron.
He said his two sons, Provincial Board Member Peter John Calderon and the Samboan mayor Raymond, support the recall petition
The other petitioners are councilors Carolina Gamallo, Remedios Tano, Teodoro Limpahan Jr., Virgincito Ferrolino, Elmer Tucao, Dominador Omale and Franco Gorion.
Majority of Samboan’s officials belong to One Cebu.
Meanwhile, Capa said he and his son-in-law Catipay are not doing anything against One Cebu Party.
He said they are not capable of breaking up the party that has been supporting their political careers.
Capa said they will answer the petition for recall at the right time.
Capa confirmed that he invited the barangay captains to a thanksgiving celebration but said there was no talk against the leadership of the Calderons and One Cebu.
Vice Mayor Capa said he tried to talk with Calderon about the matter but was not given the chance.
Capa said since that he is on his last term as vice mayor, he wants to end his term doing what is best for Samboan.
Councilor Catipay is on leave abroad.
Comelec Provincial Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said there are 10,083 Samboan residents who are 18 years old or older.
The recall petition needs 25 percent of the total voting population or 2,520 signatures to prosper. The petitioners submitted 5,129 signatures, which have to be verified by the Comelec.
The election officer of Samboan has to report the case to their main office in Manila to decided whether or not to hold recall elections. /Carine M. Asutilla and Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondents