MANILA, Philippines -  Former Caloocan congressman Luis "Baby" Asistio and incumbent Mayor Recom Echiverri used to be allies but are now on opposite sides of the fence as they both seek the mayoral post of Caloocan.

In an interview on ANC's "Headstart", Asistio launched a barrage of accusations against Echiverri from premature campaigning to making false claims on his accomplishments in Caloocan.

"The Caloocan people will tell us that on every post, every electric line -- all have propaganda. That's why it's called the tarpaulin capital of the Philippines. I am not even given a chance to put up my posters. Even incumbent congressmen cannot put up posters in Caloocan," he said in the interview.

For his part, Echiverri pointed out that he cannot be accused of premature campaigning since the official start of the campaign period for local candidates will start on March 26. He added that most of the posters and banners bearing his name and likeness were for the 48th anniversary of Caloocan's founding.

Both candidates admitted filing petitions to disqualify the other from running for mayor. Asistio said Echiverri's certificate of candidacy was not notarized properly, which was enough ground to disqualify him.

On the other hand, Echiverri said Asistio did not write his proper address on his certificate of candidacy but a business address of an office building that he is renting.

The incumbent mayor, who is running for his third term in office, also dug up Asistio's criminal past, saying that the former congressman was convicted of kidnapping as a former member of the "Big Four Gang" in the 1960s.

Asistio did not deny his checkered past but said that he hopes the voters will be more understanding.

"I was imprisoned in Muntinlupa for 13 years. Look at my character. If I did wrong in my youth, then I ask for your understanding. I've done my job to the best of my ability. I served them well. I never squandered people's money. All those who approached me for help, I've never let down," he said.

If re-elected, Echiverri vowed to provide more services to his constituents including the construction of a hospital in Caloocan's North Bukid area.

For his part, Asistio said he wants to remove the burden of high taxes to Caloocan residents, which he blamed on the incumbent mayor.

"The first thing I will do is lower the taxes. It's not all about money. It's got to be about service. Dapat may malasakit ka sa tao," he said.