5 One Cebu members seen in LP-Bakud affair

CEBU, Philippines - At least five members of One Cebu Party were seen yesterday at the birthday celebration of Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and the signing of the formal coalition agreement between the Liberal Party and the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) in the fifth district.

Bakud recently severed ties with One Cebu to forge alliance with the administration party.

The members of One Cebu Party that were spotted in Danao City were Provincial Board Members Peter John Calderon and Wilfredo Caminero of the second district, PB Member Thadeo Ouano of the sixth district, Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon and Santander Vice Mayor Wilson Wenceslao.

There were rumors that Ouano may follow suit after his daughter, Mandaue City Councilor Emmarie Ouano-Dizon and sixth district Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, who were also former members of One Cebu, bolted to be with LP.

Ouano told The Freeman that he was invited by Durano for his birthday celebration as friend.

Ouano and Durano were among those who organized themselves as K-GOD in 2003 aimed at pushing for development programs in Cebu under then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s policies as well as to help her win the presidency in the 2004 elections.

Other members of K-GOD were first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas and former second district Rep. Simeon Kintanar.

One Cebu party secretary-general and Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia believes Ouano that he was there only for the birthday celebration.

“Maybe some of them were there for a birthday party,” said Garcia in a text message to The Freeman.

Talks were rife that Caminero is running for congress in the second district against incumbent Rep. Pablo Garcia.

Cora Lou Kintanar, however, said that as of now she is still the official candidate of LP for congress being the district chairperson.

Caminero and Wenceslao are closed friends of the Calderons, the cousins of Magpale.

Magpale is the runningmate of lawyer Hilario Davide III, whose tandem was officially proclaimed yesterday. Davide will be up against Pablo John who is One Cebu’s bet for governor. His running mate is yet to be announced.

Except for Mayors Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. of Danao City and Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco of Liloan, all mayors in the fifth district are members of Bakud.

Frasco, son-in-law of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, and Boy Durano, brother of Nito, have pledged their support for Pablo John. (FREEMAN)