Most 2nd dist mayors stay with One Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The leaders of One Cebu Party considered their group intact in the second district of the province despite the fact that some of their members already transferred to the Liberal Party (LP).

In a press conference yesterday, 12 out of 15 mayors joined the Garcias to show that they still support One Cebu and to disprove that the party already lost leaders in the district.

The press conference was attended by Once Cebu president Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, second district Rep. Pablo Garcia and third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, the party’s secretary general and gubernatorial bet in next year’s election.

The mayors present were Nelson Garcia of Dumanjug, Ronald Guarin of Oslob, Mariano Blanco III of Ronda, Inocentes Cabaron of Moalboal, Teresita Celis of Boljoon, Ronald Allan Cesante of Dalaguete, Emelita Guisadio of Alegria, Daisy Creus of Malabuyoc, Prudencio Barino of Alcantara, Nicomedes delos Santos of Alcoy and Robburt Librando of Badian.

Ginatilan Vice Mayor Dean Michael Singco also attended to represent his father, Mayor Antonio Singco.

Santander Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao was invited but she failed to come because of an important activity in her town.

Pablo said the mayors in the district know what they have done in helping their projects.

“Hingpit diha ang among pagsinabtanay ug pagtinabangay. Wa man tingale hinungdan o katarungan ngano nga usbon nato ang relasyon,” he said.

Pablo John said that they have been hearing reports that most second district mayors will leave One Cebu but nobody bothered to name names.

“We hope that this press conference will put to rest, once and for all, ang kanang mga pangutana ug mga hakahaka ug mga rumors nga wa na kuno’y nahabilin,” he said.

Those who took their oath with LP are Provincial Board Members Wilfredo Caminero and Peter John Calderon; Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos and Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon.

With this development, Pablo John said the party will soon come with a slate for PB members.

The mayors expressed their solidarity with One Cebu and to support the Garcias in next year’s elections.

“Ang siloy sa Alcoy itom gihapon, wala gu’y laing kolor, pure itom,” delos Santos said.

Celis confided that his brother, former Boljoon Mayor Deogenes “Wargong” Derama, was asked by LP leaders to run for congress against Pablo but he declined.

Guisadio expressed contentment of the governance of the Garcias since the time of her husband as the town mayor.

Creus said that since 2004 up to the last 2010 elections, she and her husband, Vice Mayor Lito Narciso Creus, are with One Cebu.

Cesante, on the other hand, assured to help the Garcia even if LP’s bet for governor and congressman are from its adjacent town, Argao.

Recently, Dumanjug officials as well as barangay captains signed a manifesto of support for the Garcias.

Cabaron, for his part, said that in Moalboal, it is more than a matter of party loyalty, it is a matter of respect and gratitude to the Garcias.

An oath-taking of party leaders in Ronda will be held this afternoon, said Blanco.

“Wala ko’y igong ikatubag kung pangutan-on ko sa mga kauban og nganong mobali ta,” Barino said.

Guarin said that the people in Oslob can’t just close their eyes on how the Garcias supported and contributed in making and transforming Oslob to what it is now.

Singco and Librando also found no reason to leave One Cebu.    - THE FREEMAN