A power grab, claims Verceles of recall move

VIRAC, Catanduanes — "It’s all about a power grab, pure and simple."

Thus described Catanduanes Gov. Leandro Verceles Jr. of Saturday’s approval by members of the Preparatory Recall Assembly (PRA) of a resolution sponsored by the League of Mayors’ provincial chapter for the holding of a recall election to oust him.

The assembly, composed of mayors, vice mayors and councilors of the province’s 11 municipalities, voted 78-2 in favor of the recall resolution.

Verceles admitted that those who approved the resolution were his supporters whom, he claimed, his political enemies had misled.

He said he was not surprised by the PRA turnout because "the votes cost P10,000 up to P30,000 each."

Behind the recall move, Verceles said, is the so-called "SSS group," referring to Vice Gov. Cesar Sarmiento, Rep. Joseph Santiago and former governor Hector Sanchez whom he defeated in the last elections.

If the initiative prospers, Verceles said Sanchez will likely challenge him for the gubernatorial post.

What triggered the recall move against Verceles was the privilege speech of provincial board member Angeles Tablizo Jr. during their Aug. 9 session wherein he accused the governor of a "litany of sins."

Verceles is facing investigation for the purchase of 34 motorcycles which were allegedly overpriced by about P1.1 million.