JAGNA Mayor Joseph Ranola said that unity and the “spark of information” perpetrated by media on vote-buying help curb vote-buying attempts in barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
But one of the most important contributors in the campaign against vote-buying he launched was the support and call of the Bishops.
It was lesson learned that when united, something may be attained, he said, despite the jeers against the campaign.
He told media interview last week that the call for no to vote-buying was probably because the mayor, himself, has no money, which he just laughed off literally.
This came after two candidates in BSKE were reportedly caught in alleged vote-buying spree. The report said that a certain Jaime Macas of barangay Canjulao and Joseph Musong of barangay Pagina had been in vote-buying binge giving P50 to the voters.
The report said that the duo allegedly admitted on the accusation that they’re into vote-buying activities after police authorities conducted probe on them. Both candidates are in hot water for what they’ve done.
He also heaped praises on Comelec registrar here Atty. Madrona and Atty. Luz Virtudazo “never lift a finger” since their relatives were running for BSKE. Madrona’s wife and Vitudazo’s sister ran for punong barangay in barangays Bunga Mar and Faron, respectively.
Ranola said that the teamwork of the people and other sectors help prevent what would have been massive vote-buying by the candidates.
The mayor thanked the religious sector, the media and other government agencies for the job well done.
He specifically made mention the police led by police chief Joseph Lopena and the support group that he called multiplier forces of the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the people in general.
That was a lesson learned, he said, even as he pins high hopes that the next electoral exercise would be vote-buying free. (rvo)
