Rep. Fariñas defends SK son’s absences

CITY HALL, Laoag City, Sept. 5–” Even the President, DILG or the Governor can not  remove my son from office as Sanggunian Kabataan Federated president.”

Ilocos Norte Congressman Rodolfo C. Fariñas (1st district) made the remarks as he defended the multiple absences of his namesake son as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan being the SK Federated president of Ilocos Norte.

Earlier, some local broadcasters had been critical on their radio programs commenting on the absences issue of the young Fariñas. Even Vice Gov. Angelo Barba, SP chair, had told the media that he will review first the primer of the SK before giving his comment on the issue.

In a press conference held here which was aired live in several radio stations, Rep. Fariñas explained that his son (Rudy Fariñas Jr.) , 16,  is presently studying at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Manila, hence, his schooling prevented him from attending the SP regular sessions during the past several months.  (Rep. RCF marked his birthday today).

The solon said that his son is a minor person, therefore, he (Rudy Jr.)  is under his full control and responsibility being the father. His son must set a good example to the youth by prioritizing his studies, he stressed.

On the SP members’ plan to take action on the young Fariñas’ absences from the SP regular sessions, the elder Farinas warned that he would “charge”  them (SPMs) in case they push through with their plan.

The elder Fariñas said the SK (youth organization) has its own constitution and by-laws. Only the SK top hierarchy can discipline and oust his son from office, he further said.

Meanwhile, when asked about politics in Laoag City during the same presscon, he said “there is possibility but not probability” that two Fariñases may clash in the mayoral race if any aspirant from their family circle would be stubborn and refuse to give way to another aspiring Fariñas bet.

However, he assured that their family would iron out any kinks to avoid such scenario of political friction in their clan this coming midyear 2013 local elections.

He said his elder brother former city mayor Roger Fariñas had already signified his intention to run anew for city mayor. However, Rep. Fariñas hinted that their family would still have to hold a private talk among themselves to resolve who among the aspiring Fariñases would  be the majority choice to run for the mayoral seat to be vacated by their nephew three-term City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas.

Grapevine sources said the name of Association of Barangay Captains president Chevylle Fariñas, wife of Mayor MVF, is also being floated as aspirant to run in the city mayoral race here.(JUN R. GUIANG)