Although he has consistently said he has no plans yet, Erice’s body language has indicated he has a moist eye for the mayor’s seat in the 2004 elections.
This perception has apparently piqued Malonzo who is openly pushing Gigi Emnace, a virtual unknown in local politics, as his bet for the mayoralty race in Caloocan City in the next polls.
Interviewed by reporters, Erice said he was surprised that the hiring of his staff members on a "job order" basis, has not been renewed and their salaries withheld since two weeks ago reportedly on orders of Malonzo.
The Caloocan lawmaker also lamented that his four security officers have been recalled by city police chief Senior Superintendent Benjardi Mantele, again, allegedly on instructions of the mayor.
"I would not quarrel with him on that issue. It’s unfair to them (staff) that they are deprived of their just wages but it’s his prerogative as city mayor. I will just do the best I can for them to get jobs. These are people who have families that depend on them for their survival," said Erice, who is expecting that anytime soon he would be booted out of the newly-inaugurated district office provided for him by Malonzo at the city hall.
Apparently showing his disappointment with Malonzo’s latest moves to "harass" any of his political allies whom he feels is against him, Erice said he would ask Congress to provide him security.– Jerry Botial