North Cotabato governor denies influencing councilors league polls

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza PHOTO FROM www.cotabatoprov.gov.ph

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines—North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza denied allegations she tried to influence the election of officers of the provincial chapter of the Philippine Councilors League here last week.

Breaking her silence in the face of rumors she gave P10,000 in cash to councilors who voted for PCL North Cotabato chapter president Rogelio Maranion, Mendoza said these allegations came from losing aspirants who wanted to become chapter president to sit on the provincial board as ex-officio member.

“All these were baseless, ill-motivated and out to discredit my administration,” she said, reacting to claims that she met with councilors and promised them P10,000 in cash if Maranion, a reelectionist, won in the elections.

Earlier, Kidapawan City Councilor and former Judge Francis Palmones, who ran and lost in the election, said money had changed hands and he had evidence to prove it.

Former governor Manny Piñol said he had received information that a politician spent P1.6 million to ensure the victory of Maranion, who eventually became ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Maranion got 160 votes while Palmones had 13.

But Mendoza challenged all to show proof and bring their case to the appropriate court.

On the issue that Maranion was not a member of Liberal Party, Mendoza said that it was immaterial for as long as one toed the “Daang Matuwid” line her administration has been following.