CamSur board member decries LRay’s tactics

By Paulo DS. Papa

Camarines Sur board member Nelson Julia on Monday, Feb. 15, disclosed that his funds for social welfare and other services have been cut-off or witheld due to Congressman LRay Villafuerte’s suspicion that he is now an ally of former 1st District representative and defeated gubernatorial candidate Rolando Andaya Jr.

After witholding Julia’s funds for social welfare services in August 2020, the board member’s office at the Legislative Building in the Capitol Complex was shut down without his knowledge two months after.

Julia believed that the orders to withhold his social welfare funds and the closure of his office were given by Villafuerte.

Julia, in an interview, told Bicol Mail that funds for his scholars and beneficiaries in the agriculture sector including persons with disability, among others, was cut due to allegations of his political alliance with Andaya.

He said beneficiaries of his social welfare program were affected by the withholding of funds.

Julia said Villafuerte did not ask him or give him the chance to belie the allegation against him.

I am not sure if he wanted me out of his group or there is someone who is destroying my reputation. He is accusing me of something without any proof, he said.

Julia said he is willing to resign as a board member if Villafuerte could present evidence that he met several times with Andaya.

He said his fellow board members have already vouched for his loyalty to the Villafuertes but the latter did not listen to them.

If only he listened to my side, he will realized that his suspicion has no basis, he said.

Julia said Villafuerte is also accusing him of having ambition to run for vice governor, thus affecting his good relationship with Vice Governor Imelda Papin.

According to Julia, his office was deprived of some P1.7 million for social welfare services, making it difficult for him to help his constituents who need assistance.

As of this writing, Julia has not yet officially transferred to the Andaya camp.

At present, there are four members of the opposition in the provincial board. They are board members Emmanuel Llagono, Gerard Pilapil, Roperto Alfelor, and Trixie Maquiling.