• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) president Ruben Diamante yesterday hit back at his critics for spreading “black propaganda” against him, a week before the union’s general assembly and election of new set of officers.
In a press briefing at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol, Diamante, who is seeking reelection as a PACE officer, said he is studying legal action against the persons behind the smear campaign.
Diamante said these individuals are spreading text messages accusing him of being a “dictator, manipulator and corrupt in handling the organization’s funds.”
Instead of maligning him, Diamante said his detractors “should focus on campaigning if they also want to be officers of the union”.
He warned Capitol employees to be wary of the black propaganda against him, stressing that the PACE office is open to all members who want to check the financial standing of the union.
“Our campaign should not resort to dirty means. I have not done anything wrong against my fellow employees and the union,” Diamante said.
He noted that PACE has P1.1 million in its bank account.
“We are not wasting the money of the members. We also do not have any outstanding debt,” he added.
A total of eight candidates are vying for a spot in the board of directors, of which five will be declared winners.
Advance voting will start next week at the Provincial Capitol lobby, while voting at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City and the other district hospitals will be from Jan. 15 to 19. | GB
