Validity of Tinga recall signatures questioned

The president of the Taguig barangay league yesterday questioned the validity of the 84 signatures gathered by the camp of Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano for the recall of Mayor Freddie Tiñga.

Taguig Liga ng mga Barangay president Henry Dueñas branded the preparatory recall assembly (PRA) initiated by the solon as "illegal and a complete fabrication," backing his allegation with a manifesto bearing the signatures of 83 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials rejecting the recall.

In a letter of complaint to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos, Dueñas even offered the signatories for interview and verification.

"Considering that a total of 162 officials are covered by the PRA in Taguig, it would be impossible for Cayetano to get more than 70 signatures. He is clutching at straws," he said.

The assembly is composed of elected officials from Taguig’s 18 barangays.

Dueñas also denounced Cayetano’s post-PRA efforts to coerce more officials to sign the recall petition, which he said, further shows that the congressman is trying "to illegally gather additional signatures causing the delay in filing it with Comelec."

Cayetano was given a 72-hour deadline beginning Sunday.

The lawmaker has been spearheading moves to oust Tinga from office, capped by signing of a resolution by 84 members of the PRA last Sunday. The resolution calls for a recall election against Tinga.

Meanwhile, Cayetano urged Abalos to be cautious in making statements that would discourage local government units from holding recall polls.

"He should be circumspect in giving opinions like that," the lawmaker said, referring to a radio interview in which Abalos discouraged the holding of recall polls due to budget limitations.

Since Abalos assumed office, at least four PRAs have been held nationwide, endorsing a recall election against an election official.

The congressman continued to lambast Tinga, accusing the mayor of leading the town to financial ruin and underdevelopment. – Nikko Dizon