BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – In a turn of events that can be described as “interesting” to say the least, the daughter of a late city councilor has cried foul over the “alleged dirty tactics” by her father’s former political allies under the ruling Grupo Progreso to position one of their candidates to replace former City Councilor Elmer Sy.
Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy was quoted in a news release sent by the publicist of Asenso-Bacolod to have “cried foul” after Marlon Solidum, a political blocktimer of Grupo Progreso, and head of Bulig Ini nga Gugma (BING or This Love is Help), a social welfare desk under Leonardia’s office.
“The endorsement was made clearly to circumvent our Election Laws and other existing laws because the signatories therein had, after signing, signified their candidacy and took their oath under the Nacionalista Party,” she said.
Sy, daughter of Nacionalist People’s Coalition stalwart in Bacolod Elmer Sy, explained that several members of the NPC held a meeting and preempted District City Chairperson Congressman Greg Gasataya’s action by disseminating to local news outlets that Solidum has been endorsed and merely waiting appointment to the seat vacated by her dad.
She said early this year, the elder politico has been meaning to endorse her to replace him in his NPC post due to his deteriorating condition. But the pandemic ‘limited their movements’ however an application of intent has been formally submitted to Gasataya.
“My father mantra was inculcated in my mind since I was a child when he started in politics. I had seen how he personally attended to the needs of every constituents visiting the office. He also told me, that when he is gone, I should continue the kind of public service that he did,” the aspiring councilor and health advocate said.
A nurse by profession, Sy is running under Asenso ticket by Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Bantug Benitez headlining “Asenso para sa Frontliners.” She has been immersed in the political scene having worked as a Tecnical Assistant to the elder Sy in the Sangguniang Panglungsod. Solidum, on the other hand is running under the incumbent’s Grupo Progreso.
Elmer Sy died in office this year.
