Caloocan mayor slams ‘no-el’ disinformation drive

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri assailed what he described as a disinformation campaign against his administration after several streamers supporting the "no election" recommended by the consultative commission (Con-com) were found along the city’s major thoroughfares and made to appear as coming from him.

Echiverri said the streamers stating his alleged support for the proposal putting off local elections in 2007 and conveniently extending the term of office of local government unit officials to 2010 neither came from him nor were put up by his men.

Several streamers with the words "Caloocan City supports no-el. Let’s reform Caloocan. Mayor Recom Echiverri" were discovered as early as Monday by men of the Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management in selected places along EDSA in Monumento, Samson Road going to Navotas and Malabon, Rizal Avenue Extension going to Manila, MacArthur Highway toward Valenzuela, in Sta. Quiteria, on 10th Avenue and Mabini street.

Alfonso Sta. Maria, RDPSTM chief, said his men tore down at least 12 streamers.

Echiverri clarified that he supports Charter change being proposed by the administration, but not the no-el provision in the report of the con-com submitted to President Arroyo.

"Nang manalo ako sa 2004 elections, alam kong hanggang 2007 lamang ang termino nito. Kaya naman ipauubaya ko sa mga mamamayan ng Caloocan kung muli nila akong pagkakatiwalaan bilang punong lungsod. At iyan ay kung magpasya akong tatakbong muli," the mayor said.

Echiverri said the disinformation drive against him and his stand on certain issues perceived as negative by the public is clearly a malicious move to deceive and mislead the city populace.