“KINSA may politiko nga wala manghatag?”
“KINSA may politiko nga wala manghatag?”
Uy made the remark during the ceremonial turnover of Project Lunhaw at Kiosko Kagawasan.
Tabac, who was recently ousted as vice president of the city’s Liga ng mga Barangay following a petition signed by 64 barangay chairpersons citing loss of trust and confidence, had earlier said he is willing to be a whistleblower on vote buying in the May 12 election.
Tabac served as Uy’s campaign manager in the city’s 2nd District.
In response, Uy smiled and told reporters, “Kinsa may politiko nga wala manghatag?”
He then admitted, “Ako muangkon ko, nanghatag ko, wa ko namalit ug boto, nanghatag ko. Wala ko muingon nga nanghatag kog kwarta, basta nanghatag ko.”
He reiterated that many politicians give something during election season, saying, “Kinsa nga politiko sa panahon sa eleksyon wala manghatag?”
Uy clarified that what he gave were food and relief goods — not cash — and said he sees no reason to deny it.
“Ipatoo pa nako sa inyo nga di man gyud mo motoo nga wa ko manghatag,” he added, smiling.
Under Philippine law, vote-buying is prohibited under Section 261(a) of the Omnibus Election Code. The provision defines vote-buying as any act of giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate. It is considered an election offense, punishable by disqualification from holding public office and imprisonment.
Regarding Tabac’s removal from the Liga ng mga Barangay, Uy said he was aware of the conflict within the association but preferred not to intervene.
“Dunay panagbangi ang asosasyon sa mga kapitan. Bisan pag legislative, judiciary, dili ko mangilabot ana kay musalig ko sa mga hingtungdan nga duna pud silay kahibalo, kasinatian unsaon pagsulbad sa mga problema,” Uy said.
He added that he has not spoken with Tabac and was unaware if the latter had formally vacated his position.
“Wala ko kahibalo nibiya na ba siya o gibyaan niya,” Uy said.
Uy admitted that until today, he had not made any public comment on Tabac’s allegations.
“Puros ra man na nadunggan. Ako sab nakadungog ako niana,” he said.
When asked why he remained silent, Uy said it was part of his principle not to respond to hearsay.
“Dili ko gusto nga madugangan ang problema. Dili ko gusto nga ma-misquote ko. Maminaw lang ko,” he said.
