Sonny hands off on ally replacement

CEBU, Philippines - Toledo City Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña has kept himself away from choosing a replacement of his ally, the late councilor Ricardo “Ric” Rafols Jr.

Osmeña said the decision lies with the City Council.

“Under the law, it is the City Council that chooses a possible replacement and they will recommend that person to the Provincial Governor,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña heard that majority of the Council members who belong to the opposition bloc have chosen a candidate for councilor who lost in the recent May 13 elections. This reportedly is not allowed.

“Dili mahimo kay under the Election Code, somebody who lost in the election cannot be appointed for one year to a position,” Osmeña said.

Both Osmeña and Rafols ran independent in the recent polls, although they belonged to one slate.

Had Rafols ran with a party, the party shall be the one to nominate for his replacement to the Governor.

Of the 12 members of the City Council, only three are members of the Liberal Party who are allies of Osmeña while the rest are allies of One Cebu Party. Vice Mayor Antonio Yapha Jr. also belongs to LP.

Rafols won in last May elections although he was detained at the New Bilibid Prison and was not able to campaign.

On July 11, days after the newly elected officials assumed office, Rafols succumbed to cardiac arrest at the Makati Medical Center.

Last year, the Regional Trial Court in Toledo City sentenced Rafols to 40 years in prison after he was found guilty of malversation of public property.

He was ordered to pay for P208,849.86 worth of government properties such as cook wares and kitchen utensils, which he allegedly failed to return when his term as vice mayor of Toledo City ended in 2001.

The court, likewise, handed down an accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Pending appeal of his case, Rafols was transferred from Toledo City Jail to NBP in Muntinlupa City until his death. — (FREEMAN)