Loot planning to join NP

CEBU, Philippines - Daanbantayan Mayor Maria Luisa Loot is eyeing the possibility of putting up a local slate under the Nacionalista Party (NP) of Senator Manuel Villar for next year’s elections.

Loot announced this yesterday during the town’s fiesta celebration attended by Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar, son of Sen. Villar and former Rep. Cynthia Villar. Rep. Villar represented his mother, Cynthia, who is running for senator next year.

“As leader sa lungsod I’m hoping nga moapil ko sa Nacionalista Party, (As the leader of the municipality, I’m hoping to join the Nacionalista Party.)” Loot told reporters in the presence of Rep. Villar.

“More than welcome, malaking karangalan, (…it’s a great honor.)” said Villar. She said that the NP national leadership will be the one to schedule the oath taking of Loot’s group to the party.

Loot stressed that her joining NP is a manifestation of the independence of Daanbantayan leaders. She assured the NP that their group is an asset considering her leadership in the town.

“I hope nga kani akong pag-apil sa Nacionalist Party ako gyud ni gipaningkamutan nga for the good sa akong mga constituents,(My joining the Nacionalista Party is my effort for the good of my constituents.) ” Loot said.

Loot said she was invited by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale to join the Liberal Party but she declined.

She said she cannot join LP because of fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon who is with the One Cebu Party of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

However, Loot declared her support to LP’s gubernatorial aspirant Hilario Davide III. Loot said that if she has no strong opponent, she will not actively campaign for governor.

Loot was booted out from One Cebu Party after her rift with Garcia in 2010. Her son, Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura, also said he is with Salimbangon.

“For now my stand is I’m with Cong. Benhur but if Mayor Loot kuyog sa Nacionalista, sa akong mada, rest assured we will support Cynthia Villar sa Senate,” Shimura said.

Shimura said as of now, he is still with One Cebu with Salimbangon who is the party’s vice president.

The party is supporting third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia for governor.    - THE FREEMAN