Comelec starts checking 30,000 Danao signatures

A budget dispute, breakdown in services and questionable appointments were cited as grounds by barangay and city officials for their recall petition against Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr.

The provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday began the tedious process of verification of the 30,000 signatures of Danao City residents who signed the recall petition presented by Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano and the council last Monday.

“We are confident Comelec will act on the petition signed by 36 barangay captains with dispatch barring any dilatory tactic by the respondent’s lawyers,” Councilor Jorge John Cane said in a text message.

The petitioners cited among the mayor’s violations his directive threatening the council with criminal and administrative sanctions for not approving his proposed budget for calendar year 2011.

The council said the budget doesn’t reflect the city government’s program and there were no consultations done with the budget committee.

They also complained about the failure to deliver financial and material assistance to some barangays.

The council cited the waterworks project in barangay Mantija, which was ordered closed by the mayor.

The council said the screening and hiring of employees was done at the mayor’s house in Mabini Street, barangay Poblacion in Danao City.

Among the appointments the council questioned were lawyer Gloria Lastimosa-Dalawampu as City Legal Officer.

League President Cynthia Mahinay was said to be absent during the signing and passage of the resolution by 35 out of 42 barangay captains.

Mayor Boy Durano said in a TV interview that the vice mayor and the council won’t win against him.

“Even if they gang up on me, let’s see who’ll win,” he said.