Sanchez willing to forego congressional plans for Quisumbing

CEBU, Philippines - Congressional aspirant Edmund “Edsa” Sanchez said yesterday he is willing to step aside for Board Member Luigi Quisumbing if the former 6th district congressman will seek reelection for the post in next year’s elections.

“Our friendship is more important than politics. I will not sacrifice our friendship for the sake of politics,” Sanchez said. Sanchez is currently the consultant on special projects in Mandaue City.

Aside from Sanchez, Board Member Victor Maambong and Rene Espina Jr., son of former Cebu Governor Rene Espina, have also expressed intention to run for congressman for the Sixth District.

Sixth District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz had also endorsed Mandaue Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna to the post but Fortuna is reportedly no longer bent on seeking the post after Quisumbing was seen speaking in one of Ruiz’ “pulong-pulong.”

Sanchez, a supporter of Mayor Jonas Cortes, said this development opens the possibility that former Mandaue Mayor Thadeo Ouano may also seek reelection to challenge Ruiz and Cortes. 

Should Ouano decide to run as mayor under the Nacionalista Party, it is reportedly possible that majority of the incumbent Mandaue City Councilors who are already in Ruiz’ lineup, including Fortuna, may decide to jump back their original “Power Team,” a political group headed by Ouano.

Former “Power Team” members include Councilors Editha Cabahug, Victor Biano, Ma. Noeleen Borbajo, Emiliano Rosal and Alfonso Albano Jr.

Even Ouano’s daughter Emmarie Ouano-Dizon who is eyeing a post at the Mandaue City Council is currently under Ruiz’ lineup.

The former mayor, however, still refuses to disclose his political plans, as things are still “being ironed out.” — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)