Danao City mayor shrugs off poll recall

CEBU, Philippines - While embattled Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano, Jr. is unfazed by the threat of a recall election initiated by a group led by his younger brother Vice Mayor Ramon ‘Nito’ Durano III, he is also extending his hand of reconciliation.

Mayor Durano said that he is not worried about a recall election as he has never been beaten in any political exercise in their city.

The vice mayor, who is the mayor’s youngest brother, and 11 members of the city council are now gathering the needed 15,000 signatures from Danao City voters, which is the minimum required to stage a recall election.

“Wa ko mahadlok ana ilang recall-recall. If ever ma recall ko, I will still run again as mayor. Wala pay makapilde nako sa Danao. Di na sila kadaug nako,” Mayor Durano said.

A recall election is a procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote, initiated when sufficient voters sign a petition.

“Bisan makakuha pa sila og 15,000 signatures, wa ko mahadlok ana. Di sad ko maka-ingon nga dili sila makakuha or makakuha ba sila ana nga signatures.”

He served as mayor of the city, which is a known bailiwick of their family, from 1972 to 1986. He also served as vice mayor while Nito was mayor from 2001 to 2010.

Among the reasons cited by the camp of Nito is the delay in the implementation of the bulk water project of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

The ceremonial signing of the contract for the P450 million-bulk water project between the Danao City government and MCWD was held yesterday.

Mayor Durano said that contrary to reports that he has closed all avenues, he is open to reconciliation with his brother.

The two are among the children of the late Congressman Ramon ‘Mano Amon’ Durano, Sr. — (FREEMAN)