PROBABLY tormented by his conscience, Rizaldy Villaflores has called it quits as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) municipal federated vice president-elect of Jagna town over the alleged vote-buying despite the claim that there’s none in the last Barangay and SK elections (BSKE).
He submitted his resignation letter dated November 16, 2023 to Noel Galia, SK federated president-elect.
What could probably struck him to change his mind that led to his resignation was the message of Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran that he cited in his letter.
“When integrity in leadership is missing, it can have severe consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Without integrity, leaders may engage in unethical behaviors such as lying, cheating, and taking advantage of others for personal gain. This erodes trust and undermines the foundation of effective leadership. Additionally, a lack of integrity in leadership can create a culture of corruption and unethical practices, stifling innovation and hindering long-term success. Ultimately, the absence of integrity in leadership can have far-reaching negative impacts on transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of individuals and the communities they serve.”
He admitted that he also violated the values that PYM stands for and laws on vote buying.
“It is with regret, however, that I was tempted to violate these values when I participated in the vote-buying and other unlawful acts during the SK Federated election period,” he said.
But he stood pat on his decision to resign and tell the truth. “As a youth leader in public service, I have to stand and tell the truth to rectify these mistakes in order for me to lead by example in the right way,” he said.
Villaflores added that he was “kidnapped” and brought to Tagbilaran before the SK federation polls took place and was given P5,000.00. But he did not say where he was herded along with other SK leaders and who brought him to the city.
“Kidnap” is an idiomatic term that commonly refers to “herding” of would-be candidates/voters for a federation, like the SK and other local leagues to ensure the win of the federation officers of the “kidnappers.” The “kidnapped” officials are allegedly fed well in terms of money, which may be considered as bribes.
Villaflores is a member of the Parish Pastoral Youth Ministry (PYM).
“As a member of the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM), the incident immediately prior and during the SK Federated election last November 13, 2023 involving multiple violations, including but not limited to vote-buying, of Section 21 of DILG-COMELEC-NYC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-01 dated June 23, 2017 pursuant to Section 21(c) of RA 10742 runs counter to the very core of the group’s values, principles, missions and endeavors.”
He added that, “PYM mainly aims to strengthen the youth’s relationship with Christ and to empower them to serve others and to work toward a world built on the visions and values of the church.”
The Sangguniang Bayan chaired by Vice-Mayor Teofisto Pagar is said to be awaiting for the action of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as far as the vacant SK position following Villaflores resignation. (rvo)
