ANGELES CITY – “It’s not their gain, it’s mine.”
Thus said yesterday mayoralty aspirant Balibago Barangay Captain Rodelio “Tony” Mamac barely 24 hours after he was released from jail Wednesday night. He was arrested that same afternoon at the Balibago Barangay Hall by members of the Criminal Investgation and Detection Group (CIDG) based in Camp Olivas in connection with the two counts of libel filed against him by Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno.
Mamac said the arrest was “well planned by someone strong in government.” He refused to the name the person.
“It’s hard to imagine that they use force to frighten people,” said Mamac.
Mamac said he was travelling along MacArthur Highway in Balibago when he saw several cops in areas leading to the barangay hall.
“I was arrested after arriving at the barangay hall. I know the law and I will not resist arrest. They thought I will,” said Mamac.
The village chief said he was taken to the CIDG office at Camp Olivas and was jailed for about an hour. He said his lawyer came and worked for his release by posting bail amounting to P10,000.
“I only became stronger as candidate for mayor. I will not back out regardless of the opponent,” said Mamac, answering question on the effect of the arrest on him.
Nepomuceno filed libel charges against Mamac for exposing the alleged extortion activities at Fields Ave. in Balibago.
Mamac said he did not directly implicate the mayor and even wrote a letter informing him about the extortion activities.
Mamac sponsored a tourism summit last March and invited traders, including American Jim Dale.
In interviews with mediamen after the summit, Dale alleged that there was rampant extortion in Balibago, adding that “the mayor has knowlegde of it.”
Mamac expressed confidence the libel charges filed against him by Nepomuceno “will not hold water.”
“We were just telling the truth and informing the mayor about the complaints of traders against the extortionists,” said Mamac.
Nepomuceno, Mamac and Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman Edgardo “Ed” Pamintuan are expected to slug it out in the mayoralty race next year.
Mamac said he had completed his line-up except his vice mayor.
“I am waiting for Vicky,” said Mamac referring to Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting. But Cabigting had earlier decided to run for re-election with Pamintuan as her mayor.
Asked to comment on reports that he had considered former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Pampanga Chapter President and Talking Points talk show host Ma. Imelda “IQ” Tuazon as his runnigmate, Mamac said “yes, she was among the first prospective vice mayoralty bets.”
“But Atty. IQ didn’t come to our meeting,” said Mamac.
Thus said yesterday mayoralty aspirant Balibago Barangay Captain Rodelio “Tony” Mamac barely 24 hours after he was released from jail Wednesday night. He was arrested that same afternoon at the Balibago Barangay Hall by members of the Criminal Investgation and Detection Group (CIDG) based in Camp Olivas in connection with the two counts of libel filed against him by Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno.
Mamac said the arrest was “well planned by someone strong in government.” He refused to the name the person.
“It’s hard to imagine that they use force to frighten people,” said Mamac.
Mamac said he was travelling along MacArthur Highway in Balibago when he saw several cops in areas leading to the barangay hall.
“I was arrested after arriving at the barangay hall. I know the law and I will not resist arrest. They thought I will,” said Mamac.
The village chief said he was taken to the CIDG office at Camp Olivas and was jailed for about an hour. He said his lawyer came and worked for his release by posting bail amounting to P10,000.
“I only became stronger as candidate for mayor. I will not back out regardless of the opponent,” said Mamac, answering question on the effect of the arrest on him.
Nepomuceno filed libel charges against Mamac for exposing the alleged extortion activities at Fields Ave. in Balibago.
Mamac said he did not directly implicate the mayor and even wrote a letter informing him about the extortion activities.
Mamac sponsored a tourism summit last March and invited traders, including American Jim Dale.
In interviews with mediamen after the summit, Dale alleged that there was rampant extortion in Balibago, adding that “the mayor has knowlegde of it.”
Mamac expressed confidence the libel charges filed against him by Nepomuceno “will not hold water.”
“We were just telling the truth and informing the mayor about the complaints of traders against the extortionists,” said Mamac.
Nepomuceno, Mamac and Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman Edgardo “Ed” Pamintuan are expected to slug it out in the mayoralty race next year.
Mamac said he had completed his line-up except his vice mayor.
“I am waiting for Vicky,” said Mamac referring to Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting. But Cabigting had earlier decided to run for re-election with Pamintuan as her mayor.
Asked to comment on reports that he had considered former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Pampanga Chapter President and Talking Points talk show host Ma. Imelda “IQ” Tuazon as his runnigmate, Mamac said “yes, she was among the first prospective vice mayoralty bets.”
“But Atty. IQ didn’t come to our meeting,” said Mamac.
