May Elections, Radazas: Big spenders

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and his wife Paz spent more than any of the winning and losing candidates in the May 10 elections in the city.

Incumbent Mayor Radaza, who is on his third and last term and who ran for congress, prevailed over his rivals with a wide margin.

His wife, Paz, won in the mayoralty race.

Based on the Statement of Campaign Expenditures and Contributions submitted to the City Commission on Elections, Mayor Radaza spent P504,240 while Paz spent P497,380.

Mr. Radaza dug P149, 010 from his own pocket while Paz’s report indicated that she spent P147, 380 from her personal funds.

They both received contributions, the incumbent mayor reporting P355, 240 while Paz reported P350,000.

All the winning candidates, according to Comelec records, were the big spenders.

Vice Mayor-elect Marcial Ycong posted P100,000 while re-electionist Councilor Alexander Gestopa was the biggest spender with P178,000 while veteran lawmaker and number one Councilor Efren Herrera spent P21, 500.

Newcomer Councilor-elect Harry Don Radaza posted P158,095 while councilors-elect Roque Wagwag spent P60,000 and Eduardo Patalinghug, P48, 300.

Of the five mayoralty candidates, only businessman Efrain Pelaez did not submit his campaign expenses.

Among the losing mayoralty candidates, independent candidates Isabelito Darnayla and Vigilio Cano posted the highest and the lowest expenditures, respectively.

Darnayla spent P450,000 while Cano P12, 240.25.

City Councilor Junard Chan spent P281,000.

Four losing candidates for councilor, namely, Jose Monzon, Noel Pido, Fritz Baguio, and Thelma Jumao-as spent P5,000 each. They all were identified with the Liberal Party of Noynoy Aquino.

The expenses are way below the limit set by law. — THE FREEMAN