THREE BOARD MEMBERS BACK SPECIAL POLLS
Gaston Park Fountain, Cagayan de Oro City.
3 Misor board members back special polls move
Lito Rulona
Three of the five Provincial Board Members from the Misamis Oriental’s 1st District are supporting Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez push for a special elections in the area.
Provincial Board Member Wayne Militante, Peter Unabia and Jimmy Caina are in favor of choosing a replacement for the late Rep. Danilo Lagbas through special balloting before 2010.
Militante is based in Gingoog, a component city of the province with a council in favor of special elections, while Unabia and Caina are said to be interested to becoming the district’s next congressman.
“It is commendable effort on the part of Congressman Rodriguez because the people in 1st District are now longing for services of an elected Congressman, “ Militante said.
Another board member from the district, Jeremy Pelaez, opted to keep mum while provincial board member Benedict Lagbas, a brother of the late representatives said a “caretaker” for the 1st District will do. Militante said a special election was mandated by law. He said a “caretaker” would only confuse local officials including barangay leaders. “Dili matubag ang tanan nga panginahanglanon sa usa ka caretaker.” said Militante.
Speaker Prospero Nograles has assumed as the 1st District’s caretaker, a move widely seen as an indication that the House leadership was not keen on certifying a vacancy. The Certification is needed in order for the Commission on Elections to call for a special elections. In Gingoog City, Militante said most of the barangays want a special election.
