Relief goods used for vote buying in DavOr

Poll watchdog Kontra Daya said vote buying in Davao Oriental “is a common knowledge,” this is as they monitored fraud, corruption and violence in Pablo-hit areas like Lupon, Mati and Baganga.

By JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today

CARAGA, Davao Oriental, Philippines – Relief goods were among those used for vote-buying in this Pablo-affected province.

Poll watchdog Kontra Daya said vote buying in Davao Oriental “is a common knowledge,” this is as they monitored fraud, corruption and violence in Pablo-hit areas like Lupon, Mati and Baganga.

“I experienced it myself.  If you are a supporter of Dumaan, you will not be given any relief goods,” said George (not his real name).
Dumaan is the incumbent reelectionist Mayor.

The source alleged that instead of turning over the relief goods to Mayor Dumaan for distribution to the victims, the goods were given to former Vice-Mayor Alice Morrie, a known ally of Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon.

“The Mayor should receive the goods but it was not the case.  Morrie is not anymore a government official,” he said.  Morrie is running against Dumaan for the mayoral position.

Another village official who also requested anonymity said that while he is identified as a supporter of Dumaan, he received relief goods.

“We only received it this May.  But, the rice is already spoiled,” he alleged.

Meanwhile in Mati, a radio anchor said that she can give cheque numbers and other evidences allegedly of withdrawals amounting to PHP 79 Million made by alleged men of Governor Corazon Malanyaon.

The said amount, she said, is taken from the province’s calamity fund and is withdrawn as cash “bonds.”

Kontra Daya also documented a report of a village councilor in Sainz who said that a weekly distribution of three kilos of rice started since April led by alleged supporters of gubernatorial candidate Cora Malanyaon.

“Sige-sige man ang ilahang paghatag.  Sa naobserbaran lang nako sa among silingan, naa’y kaupat.  Dili pare-pareho, naa’y uban 3 kilos, ang uban 5 kilos pud,” the village councilor reported.  (John Rizle L. Saligumba/davaotoday.com)