Former mayor eyes comeback in 2013

CEBU, Philippines - A former mayor of San Fernando town will run again for mayor in the 2013 local election, despite the violence and purported massive cheating in the last May 2010 polls.

“We will just have to believe in the power of prayers. If they will use violence again, then we will employ the military as peacekeepers. So yes, I’ll run for mayor again in San Fernando next year,” said Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya.

Reluya, who lost to Mayor Antonio Canoy by 1,255 votes, filed an election protest against Canoy, citing irregularities in the election process.

Her camp also accused Canoy of harassing voters on the day of the election.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office placed the town under its watch-list due to fear of hostilities.

As to the pending protest, Reluya said the progress of the hearing has become favorable on her part, although she believes that if the court decides on her favor, she may not have enough time, if at all, to serve the people of San Fernando, considering that there are only 19 months to go before the next elections.  (FREEMAN)