Batuhan still among BOPK choices for south

CEBU, Philippines - Former transportation undersecretary Aristotle Batuhan still considers himself among the choices of the Bando Osmeña,Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) to be their official candidate for congress in the south district.

Batuhan is confident that he remains on the list despite the entry of Renato “Junjun” Osmeña, Jr., nephew of South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña, who recently expressed interest to run for congress.

Prior to Junjun’s announcement, BOPK was weighing who, between Batuhan and City Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa, to endorse for congress.

Whoever gets BOPK’s anointment will be up against former congressman Antonio Cuenco, a seasoned and veteran politician, who is set to have a political comeback.

Cuenco, who used to run under BOPK, will be Mayor Michael Rama’s candidate for congress. Both Cuenco and Rama were booted out by BOPK.   

Although he has not made a formal announcement, Batuhan had already been very visible in the south district. He said his announcement will come later but right now he has been busy identifying the problems of the district like housing and education.

“I will declare my candidacy at the proper time but as of the moment, I am busy assessing the problems of the district. I need to know what the problems are before running into office. I wanted to be different from the traditional politicians nga unya na makahibalo sa mga problema sa ilang distrito kung mudaug na,” Batuhan said.

Batuhan recently launched his 1st Aristotle Batuhan Community Leadership Awards Essay Writing Contest.

The activity was participated in by more than 30 schools. Batuhan said it was his way of letting the people know his dedication to improve the youths’ awareness on social issues and concerns.

Jayson Pialan of Toong National High School and Anthony Martin Navarez of Labangon Bliss Elementary School bested all the other entries.

Pialan received P5,000 and Navarez got P3,000 while their respective school received a desktop computer.

High School division runners-up Marnie Cinco of Babag and Nestor Guiwan of Tabunan brought home P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. Junah Joy Arcilla of Labangon pocketed P2,000 while Shemmy Castañares bagged P1,000 for placing second and third in the Elementary category. All runners-up received plaques of recognition from Batuhan. (FREEMAN)