Definitely no stranger to controversies, City Mayor Dan Neri Lim is “torn between two lovers” in this latest episode of his checkered political career. Trying to avoid as much as possible the role of the third man on the ring, Mayor Lim has no choice but to watch in the sidelines two of his best friends who are caught in a slander case that may cost P10 million in damages. Uy filed slander charges against City Kagawad Edgar Kapirig before the Poblacion 1 Lupong Tagapamayapa after the city councilor allegedly uttered defamatory statements against him particularly in relation to his function as Botika sa Katawhan executive director. According to Uy, the city councilor "maligned his honor and integrity" when the latter allegedly told several individuals that fund donations for the Botika sa Katawhan were misused by the deputy mayor. Uy claimed that certain employees of the Botika were told by Kapirig of the alleged mishandling of funds.
The mayor had tried desperately to reconcile the two considering that they are both identified with him. Kapirig ran and won as councilor for two successive terms under Lim. In fact, he was the only winner aside from the mayor in Lim's ticket in 2004. Uy, the brains behind the Botika, volunteered to serve the city as its executive director due to the mayor's unconditional support for his pet project. It was learned that the mayor tried to convince Kapirig to issue a statement expressing his support for Uy as Botika executive director and to dispel doubts about the latter's character and reputation. Kapirig however refused to sign, paving the way for Uy's filing of the case before the barangay. The mayor declined to issue an official statement but categorically declared his support for Uy. This was not entirely unexpected considering that Kapirig has lately distanced himself from the mayor on many issues. As this developed, Uy issued a call for recipients of the Botika sa Katawhan to attend the confrontation tomorrow and to show their support for the program. “It is not a fight between Kapirig and me. It is a fight against the beneficiaries of the Botika,” Uy remarked.
The philanthropist, who volunteered to raise funds for the Botika mostly from his personal friends in the United States including non-Boholanos, said the project may be jeopardized by the slanderous remarks of Kapirig. “This is for them. It is their fight, so I ask them to be involved,” Uy added. Uy said he is filing the complaint not only to clear his name but to let the Botika sa Katawhan donors know there is no such misuse of funds. He noted that monetary donations to the Botika is minimal as most doctors in the United Sates who contributed to the success of the project give medicines instead of cash. The Botika turned out to be a success despite being in operation for only a year. Kapirig's allegation is the latest to hit Uy after the death threats that were sent to him through text messages. Uy however remains unfazed saying that for as long as the beneficiaries appreciate his efforts, he will not be cowed by threats or intimidation.
APOLOGY
Asked if there was a way to forgive and forget, Uy said he will settle nothing less than a public apology from the city lawmaker. THe city businessman is also asking Kapirig to reimburse his legal expenses in filing the case. According to Uy, it was through a public apology that would see print in local newspapers that his name will be cleared of any suspicion of wrongdoing while managing the Botika sa Katawhan.
WHAT APOLOGY?
When sought for his reaction on Uy's demand for an apology, Kagawad Kapirig maintained a strong posture that he has nothing to apologize. He said he has done nothing wrong and asking for an public apology is not an option. Known to be a man of few words, Kapirig welcomed Uy's multi-million suit saying he is willing to face his accuser. Kapirig said issuing an apology was a virtual admission of guilt and therefore he was not bent on issuing an apology because he has not uttered anything derogatory against Uy.
LOYAL TO LIM
Despite perceived closeness of Uy to Lim, the city legislator remained loyal to the city mayor. Kapirig was the lone survivor of an administration onslaught in the 2004 elections in a ticket bannered by Betty Torralba, wife of former city mayor Jose Torralba. Kapirig ran under Lim's ticket and both survived the Lakas juggernaut at that time. The city councilor confirmed to the Post that Lim did make a shuttle diplomacy to settle his differences with Uy but the later stood pat to his decision to file the slander case. A case of this magnitude is already considered big in a place like Tagbilaran where everybody is supposed to know everybody. If no mediation in the barangaty level will take place, the case will be elevated to the city prosecutor's office with the filing fee alone already staggering by Bohol standards. According to court sources, the filing fee is in the vicinity of P250,000. Early on, there were indications that the case would be amicably settled with Mayor Lim brokering a happy compromise. Mayor Lim prepared at least two drafts of a public apology but the same were torpedoed by both protagonists.
THE SON FACTOR
In the battle for majority leadership in the Sangguniang Panglungsud, Kapirig is a prized catch. The Kapirig factor is made more telling for Mayor Lim after his son Michael Angelo is groomed to be the next federation president of the Sangguniang Kabataan in this city. He is the candidate of Mayor Lim and winning the SK presidency is all over but the shouting. With the two Kapirigs by his side, Mayor Lim is comfortable that he has the majority rule in the SP.
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