Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera has demanded an investigation of Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog of her alleged bias to Cong. Edgar Chatto in her bid to promote the holding of the ubi festival into a runaway success. The lady agriculturist is a cousin of the first district congressman. “Nobody is preventing her from campaigning for her favorite cousin, but she should not use government funds for it,” Herrera declared. Quirog came under fire after the program, flyers and streamers showed Chatto's picture holding the ubi. Quirog's father is a brother of the congressman's mother, Balilihan Mayor Victoria Migriño-Chatto.            

But in a statement sent to the Post, Quirog denied any involvement in promoting Chatto's gubernatorial bid. She said if there streamers or any other promotional items during the festival it came from “well-meaning personalities”. The provincial agriculturist also did not invite Herrera to the event despite the fact that the vice-governor chairs the agriculture committee in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. “It is very clear that she used the activity to promote the candidacy of her cousin and making sure that I am excluded at the same time,” the vice-governor said. Efforts to get Quirog's comment on the issue have failed. Herrera said he is asking Gov. Erico Aumentado to act on the matter because this is a shameless abuse of public funds and position on the part of Quirog. He added that Chatto is not contented in using the massive resources of his office and is now also using the office of his cousin.

“This is only the latest in a series of shameless abuse of power on the part of the opposing camp,” the vice-governor added. Herrera said the latest incident is another clear follow-up to the incident in Hanopol where the team from the Office of the Vice Governor was not allowed to play by Cogon barangay captain Lucia Baja. The vice-governor added that the pattern of deception and hypocrisy reflects the real character of the people behind them. Herrera, however, said he is not surprised. “If they were able to betray and deceive Gov. Aumentado, they can do that to me,” he added. The vice-governor was referring to the grand plot to revoke Aumentado's certificate of nomination and acceptance (Cona) and give it to Trinidad Mayor Judith Cajes. “What made it more shameful was that they had the gall to join Gov. Aumentado during the mass and pay tribute to him during the dinner after they had stabbed him in the back,” he added. Herrera said this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “Boholanos hate hypocrisy, treachery and deceit,” he added. The vice-governor said the trend of events have unmasked the perpetrators and have exposed themselves to the people.