A village hall watchman on Friday appeared on local television and claimed he was mauled by a mayoral candidate under Manny Pacquiao?s ticket for reportedly refusing to allow his attacker the use of the village hall.
Edgardo Borlaza showed welt marks on his left cheek, which was reportedly caused by a punch thrown by James Yap, mayoral candidate of Glan town in Sarangani.
His brother also claimed two of Yap?s companions pointed their guns at him. One of those gun-toters was identified only as a certain Alzate.
Yap, who is running against his sister-in-law Ami Yap, wife of the town?s outgoing mayor, vehemently denied the accusation.
He said a heated argument ensued when they were denied the use of the village hall and a scuffle between Borlaza and his supporters erupted.
He likewise denied his companions or any of his supporters carried a gun.
Yap is estranged from his brother Enrique Jnr who is running for vice mayor under Ami Yap?s ticket.
Enrique will contest the vice mayoral post against sister Vivien who is James’ running mate.
Enrique said the incident involving his brother was unbecoming of a public official.
His younger brother James is an incumbent member of the Provincial Board of Sarangani.
Their political differences started when James opted to break away from his brother?s political party and aligned himself with Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao who is eyeing the lone congressional seat for the province.
Enrique, meanwhile, is supporting their long-time political ally which is fielding Roy Chiongbian.
The Yaps have exercised control over the town since before martial law.
Enrique is his third and last term.
The Yaps are going head to head against each other just as their respective parties is going one-on-one against each other.
Enrique and his wife stuck it out with Dominguez and Chiongbian-led Sarangani Reformation and Reconciliation Organization (Sarro) while James and Vivien joined Pacquiao?s People?s Champ Movement.
