Augusto “Itok” Corro, who was recently declared by the court as the winner of Daanbantayan’s mayoralty race along with his running mate Jose De Leon, dedicated their victories to the slain Renerio “Gogong” Arrogante III, a candidate for councilor under their party.
“Dako kaayo ang akong gibati nga kalipay, apan ako sad nga nakita nga haw-ang gumikan kay wala man makaksi si Pareng Gogong sa atong nakab-ot nga kadaugan,” Corro said.
Arrogante was shot dead in front of his wife outside their store in barangay Poblacion last March 9.
Bogo City Regional Trial Court Branch 61 presiding judge Antonio Marigomen declared Corro and De Leon the winners of the May 2007 elections, and deemed null the proclamation of their opponents, Mayor Sun Shimura and his mother Vice Mayor Maria Luisa Loot.
Their lawyer, Ricarte Maderazo, has already filed an appeal before the RTC. They were also scheduled to hold a rally today.
Liza Corro, the sister and lawyer of the winning mayoralty bet, countered by seeking for an execution of the decision pending the resolution of the appeal. The court is scheduled to hear the appeal tomorrow.
At least 500 residents of Daanbantayan, mostly supporters of Corro and De Leon, attended the thanksgiving Mass that the two sponsored for their court victories.
The celebrant, Rev. Father Alvin Raypan, appealed to the town’s people to unite themselves for the good of Daanbantayan.
“Gikanahanglan nga maghiusa ang mga mulopyo sa lungsod sa Daanbantayan ug dili kini magka siak-siak,” said the priest, a close relative of the Corros, who is assigned at the Archbishop’s Palace.
De Leon said the decision of the court speaks the real voice of the people of Daanbantayan.
“Sa katapusan migawas ra gayud ang matuod; ang napabati ra gayud ang tingog sa katawhan sa lungsod sa Daanbantayan,” he said.
Corro thanked his supporters, saying that their unity in fighting the Loot’s camp resulted in justice for them. — Jose P. Sollano/RAE/BRP