Nacaya’s wife against Rodriguez sister: Mudslinging over petty matters starts

By JOEY NACALABAN
Correspondent .

WITH the barangay and youth elections just around the corner, village politicians have started the political mudslinging — with some, playing the “underdog” card — even over the most petty matters such as the use of a basketball court.

This is happening now in Barangay Nazareth where the wife of Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, Reina, complained about allegedly being prevented from extending medical aid to villagers through city hall’s Tabang Medico program.

Reina, a likely candidate for Nazareth’s top post, faulted Nazareth barangay chairperson Jocelyn Rodriguez, claiming that the official prevented Tabang Medico workers from serving residents at the basketball court on 20th Street, Nazareth the other day.

Nacaya said her group was already set on holding the Tabang Medico program but they were surprised to see Rodriguez, who would likely seek reelection, and her supporters in the area.

She claimed Rodriguez’s group told them to leave.

Rodriguez, for her part, said Nacaya’s group did not secure a permit from the barangay. If she was informed about the Nacaya group’s activity beforehand, Rodriguez said she could have made them use the barangay gym because it was more spacious.

She said Nacaya’s group was also aware that the barangay had a basketball tournament at the court.

Ms. Rodriguez is the sister of Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of the city’s 2nd District. Their elder brother Rufus is a former congressman and beat Nacaya’s husband Ian in the 2013 congressional elections.