In Mandaue City: 5 to contest ABC top post?

CEBU, Philippines – Now that the barangay and SK elections are over, the names of at least five village chiefs from 27 barangays in Mandaue City have been bandied about in connection with the race next month for the presidency of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

Mandaue needs to elect a new president in view of the eventual exit of ABC president Joy Tudela Ouano, who is serving her last term as barangay captain of Opao and as ex-officio member of the city council.

She ran for councilor in her barangay as councilor in the last election and won.

Expected to contest the presidency are Carmelino del Mar of barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Andres Suson of barangay Pagsabungan, Damaso Tumulak of barangay Labogon, Mario Bihag of barangay Tingub, and neophyte barangay captain Ernie Manatad of barangay Subangdaku.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said he won't interfere in the election but would let the barangay captains know his preference.

Cortes said it won't matter to him whether the winning candidate is an incumbent or a novice so long as he can deliver the goods.

Does the mayor prefer newly elected Subangdaku village chief Ernie Manatad, who has been his executive secretary for the past ten years, over the others?

Cortes said Manatad is highly qualified for the position, because he knows his job well and can accomplish whatever task is assigned to him.

On the other hand, Manatad said the mayor is mature enough to make decisions. (FREEMAN)