Urban poor groups endorse Maamo

CEBU, Philippines - After taking his oath with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), congressional aspirant Marlo Maamo has gotten endorsement from different urban poor leaders in Cebu City North District.

The leaders of the Urban Poor Solidarity Federation (UPSFED) yesterday signed a letter of endorsement addressed to PDP-Laban chairman, Vice President Jejomar Binay.

The letter will also be sent to the party’s executive vice president Joey de Venecia III and secretary-general Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

“We are sincerely endorsing our chosen candidate for the North District Congressman, Dr. Marlo Maamo, under the PDP-Laban and we are hoping for your favorable acceptance of him,” the letter read.

The advocacy of Maamo to reform the health care system in Cebu City north district has persuaded the group to endorse him.

Maamo is set to challenge former Rep. Raul del Mar in the next elections.

Maamo is eyeing to establish government hospitals in Talamban, Lahug and Pier area in Cebu City instead of flyovers that the Del Mars have strongly pushed.

The other programs of Maamo that the group has cited include his urban poor support agenda such as security of land tenure, establishment of training centers in upland barangays, livelihood programs and the participation of constituents in the congressional district development plan.

While Maamo has the same sentiment of Mayor Michael Rama against flyovers, the group said they have no intention to convince the mayor to pick the former over his cousin, actress and talent manager Anabelle Rama.

Rama belongs to the Liberal Party but he will be facing his partymate, south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña, next elections.

UPSFED president Samson Tiu said they respect the independence of the mind of the city mayor.

UPSFED secretary Evangeline Abejo claimed that out of the 149 urban poor member associations of the federation 79 have already pledged support to Maamo.

She said they are still courting more organizations aside from the urban poor to join them in seeking for changes from the reign of the del Mars.

Maamo, a former mayor of Liloan, Southern Leyte, took his oath Saturday before PDP-Laban president and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. — (FREEMAN)