SAN JOSE, Antique - Seven residents of Semirara Island in Antique have accused mayor-elect Reynante Lim of Caluya town of vote-buying.

In a joint affidavit, the residents said they were given P500 each on May 9 by Lim's brother, Efraim, and asked to vote straight for candidates of Lakas-CMD and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) up to the town level.

The complainants are Cesar de la Torre, Gervacio Magan, Rodelyn de la Torre, Florante Jaranilla, Lito de la Torre Jr., Edwardo Magan, Lita de la Torre and Cristito Rebustes Jr., all residents of Sitio Bigo, Barangay Alegria in Semirara Island.

They alleged that Efraim went to each of their houses and left the P500 and were also made to sign a piece of paper.

Reynante Lim (Lakas-CMD/Kampi) won over reelectionist Mayor Domingo Frangue Jr. (Nationalist People's Coalition).

The residents attached to their affidavit seven P500 bills with serial numbers MK180851, MK180867, MK180858, MK180863, MK180862, MK180859, MK180866, MK180869.

"We do not agree that our votes be induced by money because we want to decide on whom to vote as our candidates in the May elections," they said in their affidavit dated May 11.

Guillermo Alcantara said they will file the charges before the provincial prosecutor's office within the week. Alcantara is also acting as legal counsel to the camp of Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez who is allied with Frangue.

Reynante Lim denied the allegations and said they are being instigated by their political opponents.

"They just cannot accept defeat because the people have chosen to change their leaders after 15 years of governance of the Frangue family," Lim said in a telephone interview.*NPB

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