Cebu ABC elections today

CEBU, Philippines – The new president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City will be determined today.

All 80 barangay captains both in the north and south district are expected to vote in the election this morning at the Grand Convention Center and choose between candidates Michael Ralota of T. Padilla and Eliodoro Sanchez of Busay.

Ralota got the endorsement of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan after besting Manuel Guanzon of Capitol Site in a straw poll among BOPK captains held at the house of Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

Sanchez is running as an independent candidate but earlier got the support of the opposition.

Before the election at 9 a.m., Mayor Michael Rama will be sponsoring a Mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño at 7 a.m. All barangay captains and other officials and persons involved are invited.

Rama also expressed dislike over the Christmas party organized by Ralota for the barangay captains saying the timing was wrong because it was held at the eve of the election.

The party was held in one of the resorts in Compostela town last night.

Although it did not violate any guidelines, Rama said people will tend to think he has another agenda in holding the party.

On the allegations of vote buying, Rama echoed the DILG's appeal to Sanchez to prove his allegations.

Winners of the municipal and city-level today will participate in the election for the league's president at the provincial level on December 17. The regional and national election will be on January 13 and 14 respectively.

Whoever wins in today's election will automatically have a seat in the city council as an ex-officio member.

In Mandaue City, no one appears to be contesting the bid of Mayor Jonas Cortes' former executive secretary and now Subangdaku barangay captain Ernie Manatad for the presidency of the Association of Barangay Captains.

Manatad said he believes today's election will be generally peaceful after it was found out during a meeting with the barangay captains last Sunday that all of them will support him today.

Three other barangay captains earlier eyed the ABC presidency, Carmelino Del Mar of Ibabao-Estancia, Andres Suson of Pagsabungan and Basilisa Ouano-Icalina of Opao, but they eventually gave way after Cortes openly supported Manatad.

The ABC election today will be held at the Robinland at the reclamation area. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and elections will be held at 9 a.m.

Meanwhile, the One Cebu party headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia will be supporting the candidate for the president of the Federation of the Association of Barangay Councils who will then sit as ex-officio member of the Provincial Board.

Garcia explained that it is not that she is not personally imposing her choice but she wants somebody who has a good track record, the potential to lead the federation and the dedication to support her 12-point agenda.

PB Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Jr. is presently occupying the seat when he assumed office last July to finish the term of then president and now Boljoon Mayor Teresita Celis.

Holganza was also reelected barangay captain in Bawod, Bantayan, and seeks re-election in the municipal ABC elections today.

Holganza served as PB member during the term of former governor Lito Osmeña when the PB members were elected at large in the entire province, unlike now when they are elected by congressional district.

Garcia said no one has come to ask her endorsement.

A meeting will be called by One Cebu Party after the elections in the city and municipal level are conducted today.

"Let the true will of the barangay captains emerge and prevail," Garcia said. - Jessica Ann R. Pareja, Flor Z. Perolina and Gregg M, Rubio/BRP (FREEMAN)