Garganera okay to run under Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama said he was happy when he learned that more prominent personalities showed their intention to join his slate for the 2013 local and national elections.

He said opposition leader and Tinago barangay councilman Joel Garganera will be added to his “long list” of probable candidates for councilors in the city’s north district.

When interviewed by reporters during the awarding of the outstanding barangay officials in Cebu City yesterday, Garganera said he is willing to be part of Rama’s team.

Sambag 1 barangay captain Jerry Guardo also confirmed that he will be running under Rama’s camp, and even volunteered information that Rama’s list included former city councilors Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem and Edwin Jagmoc.

Jagmoc is frequently seen at the mayor’s office almost everyday while City Councilor Edgardo Labella, who already announced he is running in tandem with Rama, said former councilor Manuel Legaspi had also signified his intention.

Legaspi, however, told The FREEMAN last Wednesday that his plan to run again as councilor is not yet final.

Jakosalem also chose not to react about his inclusion in the list saying he is busy being the chairman of the City Traffic Operations Management.

“Right now I am facing many challenges in running CITOM with daily varied problems. I don’t want to think about politics now because I want to concentrate on this job or else it will get too complicated. Every hour I get many text messages of traffic concerns that need to be immediately addressed and I think it is more important now,” Jakosalem said.

Rama also confirmed that Lahug barangay councilwoman Mary Ann De Los Santos is also in the list.

“Basta mga winnables ang mga tawo nga anaa sa akong listahan,” the mayor said.

According to the mayor he needs 12 names of probable candidates for councilors in each of the two districts, and then it will be trimmed down to eight.

During a recent gathering of barangay councilors, Rama challenged them to nominate their representatives. (FREEMAN)