A simple fundraising activity for the Cebu City Medical Center was marred by allegations that the event was used to campaign for candidates of the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA).
Councilor Sisinio Andales raised the allegations in his privilege speech during yesterday’s regular session, saying Aniceto “Abbey” Canturias, who organized the Cebu City Open Hip-Hop Championship last February 11, invited UNA members to the event to “increase the party’s presence.”
Andales also said that Canturias, an executive assistant and head of the Cebu City Investment Promotions Center, happens to be the media bureau head of UNA.
Mayor Michael Rama and his party Team Rama are affiliated with UNA.
“It is disturbing in a sense that several fundraising activities for and behalf and in the name of the city, have been made by the executive department with another organization of political allegiance,” said Andales.
With this, Andales believes it is just right to summon and compel Canturias to deliver liquidation of the fundraising event, how much was raised and where the money is.
Andales wants Canturias summoned to an executive session on March 2.
The Commission on Elections-7 was also invited to check whether there were violations committed.