Former village chief claims Radaza not fit to campaign

CEBU, Philippines - A former village chief and “kumpare” of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza is calling for the mayor to resign from his post and to withdraw from the congressional race because of suspicions that he is not in the best of health.

“I am asking the mayor, who happens to be my kumpare, to resign as mayor and forego altogether his political ambition as candidate for the lone congressional seat of Lapu-Lapu City,” Angel Rodriguez said in a prepared press statement. “Rodriguez said he is disturbed by the fact that Mayor Radaza has not spearheaded any form of campaign since the start last March of the official campaign period.

He suspects that Radaza cannot sustain a rigorous campaign because of failing health.

“There are persistent rumors that the incumbent Mayor Arturo Radaza is very sick,” Rodriguez said, who once served as former barangay captain of Punta Engaño for 10 years and claims to be one of the few barangay leaders who supported the mayor when he first run in the city. “Rodriguez is supporting the candidacy of mayoralty bet and opposition Councilor Junard Chan and the congressional bid of Lito Ruiz. “The press conference, whichwas held at the Parkmall, was called by Rodriguez. Chan showed up but later left when the press conference was about to begin. “Although he has no medical proof that would substantiate his allegation that the mayor is sick, Rodriguez said “you can see him. He had lost weight when I saw him in Punta Engano.” “Rodriguez said there were times in the past that the mayor would attend “pulong-pulong,” or meetings, and join rallies.

“He proposed that the mayor relinquish his present post and not push through with his candidacy since it would be unfair to him and the people of Lapu-Lapu.” “Because of his deteriorating physical health, he will just punish himself and may not be able to serve the city, thereby doing injustice to his constituents,” Rodriguez said.

On the other hand, Mayor Radaza, in a press statement, challenged Chan and the rest of the opposition candidates to have their blood pressure taken all at the same time to find who really is physically fit.

Radaza said he met a vehicular accident in the early 90’s, which gave him a limp. He said he used a wheelchair for a while.

“I am more convinced that the political opposition’s only hope in winning this election is if something unfortunate such as the lie they are peddling against my health happens,” Radaza said.

Radaza, however, challenged his opponents to campaign hard in order to win without wishing their opponents ill.

He even told his opponents not to enter in an election where their chances of getting votes are by default.

“I know they wish me to be very visible all the time so I’ll be exposed to assassination. That is not a good formula for winning the race,” Radaza said. — Garry B. Lao (THE FREEMAN)