Re-elected Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices said he would demand a public apology from a columnist who allegedly maligned his name as a public official during the May 14 elections.

Perdices cried foul against columnist Dindo Generoso, of the Negros Chronicle, and now based in Sydney, Australia, for allegedly publishing false accusations that he manipulated the election results during the canvassing of votes at the City Hall, on May 15. Perdices said he is challenging Generoso to lay down all his evidences to prove the charges. If indeed the accusations are true, Perdices said he is willing to resign his post.

The mayor said that since he was elected mayor of Dumaguete City, Generoso was the only person who has made such serious allegations against him.

In a six-paragraph write up, Generoso strongly criticized the Board of Election canvassers when the canvassing was stopped and "a quick power interruption occurred."

Generoso, in his article, said that he believes mayoralty candidate Board Member Arturo Umbac has been robbed of his apparent victory which has been shown from the start of canvassing, establishing a likely loss of the incumbent mayor.

The columnist also criticized the existence of the father and son tandem of Rodrigo Lagahit as secretary to the mayor and Neil Rey Lagahit as the legal counsel of Dumaguete City government.

Perdices, on the other hand, said he is willing to accept constructive criticism that would help him improve the management of the city.

He said he was surprised at the accusations of Generoso, because even Umbac conceded defeat and respected the voice of the people.

However, since he was elected, Perdices said Generoso has been throwing negative comments against his administration.*MA

back to top