One Cebu Consolacion slate ready for 2013

CEBU, Philippines - The One Cebu Party held yesterday the oathtaking of its members in Consolacion where the complete town slate for 2013 elections was also proclaimed.

The oathtaking ceremony formed part of the first convention of Movement for Progressive Consolacion (MPC) led by former mayor Avelino Gungob Sr. with approximately 10,000 family leaders from the 21 barangays.

 Governor Gwendolyn Garcia administered the oath of the group that had more than 5,000 members in attendance.

Also present were One Cebu’s gubernatorial candidate, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, and former sixth district congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

After serving as mayor for nine years, Gungob will run again and brought together with him other opposition leaders to challenge Mayor Teresa Alegado of the Liberal Party.

Gungob twice beat Alegado in the mayoralty race - in 2004 and 2007. Alegado won in 2010 when Gungob could no longer seek another term.

Completing the slate are Jugan barangay captain Diosdada Gielczyk for vice mayor and for councilors are former vice mayor Ember Alinsug, councilors Analee Gungob and Iluminado Alin; former councilor Arnulfo Abinales, former mayor Leo Go, retired police Supt. Agustin Lloveras, Eusebio Cordova and Leonardo Lagrom.

Gungob in his speech recalled how he delivered the victory of the Garcias in Consolacion when he was mayor since 2001 when then governor Pablo Garcia won his last term and in 2004 and 2007 with Gwendolyn as governor.

 “Among dawaton sa dakung garbo ang pag-akseptar dala ang pasalig nga kamong duha (Gwen and PJ) landslide gyud dinhi sa lungsod sa Consolacion,” Gungob said.

Gungob assured that MPC will work for the victory of the candidates of One Cebu Party.

“This is a big boost to One Cebu,” said Pablo John, the party’s secretary-general.

 Pablo John said that there are more scheduled oathtaking of members of One Cebu in other towns and cities in the next few days. He said he has already chosen a runningmate but refused to divulge the name yet.

Ruiz, on the other hand, said she has yet to decide what position to run in the next elections but assured to work to strengthen One Cebu in the sixth district.

After her term as congresswoman ended, Ruiz lost in the 2010 election to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes of LP whom she is now serving as consultant.     - THE FREEMAN