Ex-Mambusao Mayor Denies Assaulting Barangay Kagawad

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Former Mambusao Mayor Leodegario “Jun” Labao Jr. has denied allegations that he slapped and punched Barangay Kagawad Ludovico Kapunan of Poblacion Proper while processing a business permit and mayor’s clearance at the town hall on Monday, Jan. 27.

Labao dismissed the accusations as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation ahead of the midterm elections.

“These are nonsense and baseless allegations. My intentions are solely to serve the people,” Labao said.

However, Kapunan stood firm in his complaint filed with the police, presenting the results of a medical examination to support his claims.

The medico-legal report revealed that Kapunan suffered pain and slight swelling on his face, along with a small laceration on the upper and lower portions of his hip.

According to Kapunan, the incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. at the municipal office while he was helping his brother process a business permit and mayor’s clearance.

Kapunan alleged that Labao accused his brother of failing to pay taxes and insisted that the brother personally handle the required documents.

An argument reportedly ensued, during which Labao allegedly raised his voice before slapping and punching Kapunan when he defended his brother.

Kapunan, who is an incumbent barangay kagawad of Poblacion Proper, is also running for a Sangguniang Bayan (SB) seat in the upcoming elections.

Labao, on the other hand, is seeking to reclaim the mayoral post in Mambusao, replacing his wife, Luzviminda Labao, the town’s current mayor.

Labao previously ran for congressman in the 2nd District of Capiz during the last election but lost to Rep. Jane Castro, wife of Capiz Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro.