The rift between Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim and his nephew, Councilor John Geesnell Yap widened even more when the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Tagbilaran chapter led by the mayor moved to oust Yap for “acts inimical to the party”. Aside from the mayor, the resolution was signed by Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes and nine others including six councilors. Those who signed the were Councilors Leonides Borja, Nerio Zamora II, Lucille Yap-Lagunay, Genesyl Balbin and Doni Piquero, Dr. Benjamin Galia, Engr. Vicente Loquellano and former Councilors Oscar Glovasa and George Olario. According to the resolution, Yap run and won under the NPC in the May 10 elections. In spite of this, Yap no longer manifests interest in the positions taken by the NPC in various local and national issues.

While Yap has kept distance from such positions as well as personalities identified with the NPC, “he has been very active in promoting his own interest in numerous activities not sanctioned or even consulted with the Party”, the resolution added. It also took note that Yap has been prominently and consistently mentioned by rival groups and personalities as their candidate for mayor in the 2013 elections which has bothered and confused party officials and leaders in the different barangays. In spite of the said confusion, the signatories said Yap has refused to confront the issues while he continues to go around and project the image of a mayoralty candidate in the company and gatherings of the said rival groups. “The final incident involved a controversy right within his committee wherein (Yap) disregarded normal procedures in an effort to win approval for a request for exemption by people and institutions that have been very vocal in working not only against the interest of the Party but also the goals and thrusts of the City Government,” the resolution added.      

It pointed out that Yap once again resorted to his typical strategy of keeping distance and not lifting a finger to defend his party and his party mates. “This gross disregard for the interest of the party on the part of (Yap) has not only sowed disunity and confusion within the ranks of the loyal Party workers but also promoted the interest of rival parties and personalities,” the resolution added. The signatories said these acts of indifference, belligerence and disinterest do not reflect the party position that is active involvement not only in party activities but especially in the pursuit of the best interest of the community and its people. Lim explained that the group has no problem with Yap aspiring for the mayoralty but stressed that he should do it on his own.

“It should not be at my expense and definitely not at the expense of our party,” the mayor added. He pointed out that many supporters in the barangays were approached by Yap to promote himself in various activities without his knowledge and other party officials. “Now that he is no longer answerable to the party, he can do what he pleases but he can no longer pretend that he is a member of the group,” Lim added. The mayor had indicated his preference for his elder brother, Dr. Abraham Lim, to run in his place when his term expires in 2013. Dr. Lim has started consultations with party leaders in the different barangays, most of whom had expressed preference for his candidacy. The doctor is expected to announce shortly his decision on whether he will accept the group’s offer to be the standard-bearer in the coming local elections.