BARANGAY Carmen Chairman Rainier Joaquin ‘Kikang’ Uy addressed constituents during a flag-raising ceremony Monday, emphasizing the “power of love over the love of power” as he faces a disqualification case filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The Comelec legal department alleged irregularities in a surge of new voter registrations in Barangay Carmen, prompting the disqualification case.
Uy has remained tight-lipped, leaving the matter to his legal team. His supporters, including the Pinoy Aksyon Movement, have rallied behind him.
In his speech, Uy pointed to his father, Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, as an example of a leader who has wielded power responsibly, never abusing it for personal gain.
“Mayor Klarex Uy has served for years but has never used his power to take advantage of others,” Uy said in a mix of English and Visayan.
He criticized those who misuse authority to undermine others, saying, “There is a time for campaigning and for elections, but the love of power should never replace the power of love and service.”
Uy attributed the voter increase to Barangay Carmen’s growth, citing a 200% rise in student enrollment at Phinma-Cagayan de Oro College, over 3,380 housing permits issued, and an 88% increase in new businesses and licenses.
“These developments show why people are transferring to Carmen,” he said, noting its urbanized environment offers employment, education, and healthcare access unlike some rural barangays.
The chairman also alleged that national programs, such as cash assistance for farmers and fishermen, have been mismanaged, depriving intended beneficiaries.
Uy’s camp submitted nearly 7,000 pages of documents to the Comelec central office to refute the accusations.
He expressed confidence that the evidence would exonerate him, saying he had no involvement in the alleged voter irregularities.
“We are here to serve the people with integrity and diligence. This is about the power of love and genuine service,” Uy said.
