Bacolod Councilor Dindo Ramos, whose son was recently elected Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, dismissed allegations that the SK election was manipulated by the administration candidates.

His son, newly elected SK Federation president, Kevin Ramos, 15, of Brgy. Granada earned 34 votes over Kay Marie Yap, 16, of Brgy. 32 who got 18 votes and Jason Olivar, 18, of Brgy. Pahanocoy who got nine votes.

Councilor Ramos said it is unfair to say that Kevin and his group or even the Mayor manipulated the elections in an interview over Aksyon Radyo. He said the Mayor did not campaign for anyone.

He said supporters of Kevin even showed him the money that the “other group” gave them. If they could not persuade the children, they tried to approach the parents, he added.

Ramos said there were even instances when parent and child fought because the child could not be manipulated, like what happened in Escalante.

He also said he received reliable information that some SK chairmen were housed at the Executive Inn a night before the SK Federation election Thursday, he said.

Ramos said two from the group of Kevin who had joined them reported that they were given P5,000 each in cash and a cellphone worth P5,000. There were also about 15 to 18 SK chairmen who were brought to Don Salvador Benedicto, he added.

Ramos said the 34 who voted for his son did not receive a single centavo from them. He said about 39 to 40 SK chairmen had committed to support Kevin.

Ramos said he believes they saw in Kevin the humble representation they are looking for so they supported him despite pressures from some of their parents, and despite the money and influence of some persons.

Since the elections is past they should unite and look forward to serving their barangays, he said.*CGS

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