Pulupandan mayoralty aspirant Magdaleno "Magsi" Peña yesterday dismissed the factor of his brother, Bonifacio's support for his chief rival, Samson "Sammy" Mondia

The brother of incumbent mayor Luis Mondia, Samson launched his campaign by announcing his intention to file a disqualification case against another mayoralty bet, his second cousin, Crisanto Mondia, before the Commission on Elections. "Bonifacio does not have the votes in Pulupandan," Peña said, citing an incident in 2004 when his brother signified his intention to seek the mayoralty post against the Mondias and sought his active support but backed out near the end.

Magdaleno said he had told Bonifacio that "It is about time he stood up on his own and tested his own strength as I would not campaign against him".

Bonifacio did not run, instead he prompted Jerany Suatengco to run and abandoned him in the last few days of the campaign, Magdaleno said.

As to Bonifacio's accusation that he has no heart because of his eviction about 3,000 squatters in Pulupdandan. Magdaleno said he will start ejecting the 20 percent "hardcore" Mondia supporters and the remaining percentage may not be ejected, after all.

"I will be kindhearted and reasonable and perhaps they will not be ejected," he added.

Meanwhile, Samson yesterday said he wants to invalidate the candidacy of Crisanto, who is using the nickname "Sanny" for his campaign.

In a separate interview, Jessie Suarez, the provincial election supervisor, yesterday said they will act as soon as Samson files his disqualification case against Crisanto.

Samson told the DAILY STAR that Crisanto's move is meant to invalidate his votes, although he said it would not be a problem because Pulupandan is a small town and the impending confusion can be addressed during the campaign.

"If he ran using his nickname, Nonoy, it would have been different. He (Crisanto) is not capable of running because he has no income," Samson said.

Samson also hinted that the move made by Crisanto was orchestrated by Magdaleno, who has filed ejection cases against 3,000 squatters residing in their property in Pulupandan.

"Magsi cannot battle us fair and square. He will find other ways to win," Samson added.

If he wins, Samson said he will prioritize the acquisition of a relocation site for the displaced Pulupandan residents. "It will be a long process but we will get there," he added. He also plans to implement livelihood programs for residents of the town. *CPT

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