PJ: Smear campaign shows desperation

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor  Gwen Garcia and Rep. Pablo John Garcia accused the Liberal Party candidates of spreading black propaganda materials in Barangay Catarman in Liloan town.

The Garcias showed to the media a photo of the black propaganda leaflet that says “Batukan Ang Lingla, Ilad, Lansis ug Insulto (B.A.L.I.L.I.) sa Atong Pinanggang Sugbo”.

They said Vice Governor Magpale and Provincial Board members Jude Thaddeus Sybico and Miguel Antonio Magpale personally distributed the leaflets to the residents in Catarman, along with its barangay captain, Jimmy Maglasang, who is running for mayor under LP.

Pablo John, One Cebu’s gubernatorial bet, described this as a childish, desperate and immature act.

“If this early they are going negative, it clearly shows signs of desperation that means that they are trying to sell themselves to the public, but the public is not buying. That’s why they’re just trying to destroy the other side, in the hopes that they will rise. Kay dili man sila mahalin, ilang dauton ang produkto sa pikas. And I challenge them to disown those black propaganda materials because we have witnesses and we have a proof,” Pablo John said.

Pablo John said that if LP would like to discuss the Balili issue in an intelligent and proper manner, he is open for a debate with Hilario Davide III, LP’s gubernatorial candidate.

“I am open for a debate with my opponent with this issue and any other issue, anytime and anywhere that will educate the people. He (Davide) is a recognized lawyer, parehas ming abogado,” Pablo John said.

Magpale admitted having seen the so-called  black propaganda leaflets but denied they have a hand in the distribution of the materials.

Magpale said she was with Davide, Sybico and her son, Miguel Antonio, in Catarman last Sunday when they saw the materials being distributed.

She said they did not know where it came from.

Davide was not available for comment yesterday. 

—with Gregg M. Rubio/MBG (FREEMAN)