Iloilo governor says loyalty check not needed

CEBU, Philippines - Gubernatorial candidate Arthur Defensor Sr. of the Liberal Party (LP) said a loyalty check among employees of the provincial government is not needed as they are wise enough to vote for deserving candidates.

"No need for loyalty check. Libre ang mga empleyado magpili kun sin-o nahamut-an nila. (Employees have the freedom to choose the candidates they will vote for)," Defensor said.

The Iloilo Provincial Government has 2,195 regular employees and 325 job-for-hires.

Defensor, a re-electionist, is running against incumbent 4th District Rep. Ferjenil Biron of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Defensor said he is confident of winning with the help of local leaders.

Reports have it that more than 2,000 job-for-hire employees in Iloilo City were made to enumerate the names of LP candidates using the acronym TME BATTZ PANGGA before they could renew their contracts.

The acronym represents the names of re-electionist Cong. Jerry Trenas, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Vice Joe Espinosa III- (councilors) Baronda, Acap, Tupas, Trenas, Zulueta, Peñaredondo, Parcon, Alim, Nava, Gonzales, Geroche and Agado. 

These job hires are apart from 1, 658 permanent employees of the Iloilo City Government.

Iloilo City Administrator Norlito Bautista denied the report, saying no one ordered the employees to memorize the acronym. —/JMO (FREEMAN)