CEBU, Philippines - Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, grandson of incumbent 1st district Representative Eduardo Gullas, filed his Certificate of Candidacy yesterday at the provincial office of the Commission on Election (Comelec) for his bid to take the place of his grandfather in the district this coming election.
olitical scene said that he is confident and ready not only for the campaign but for the position in congress. “I’ve been ready since the time I was proclaimed. I have been going around and I’m really happy that the mayors and our constituents in the district have been very supportive of me.”
Mayors, councilmen, barangay captains and other supporters of the 1st district under the Alayon Party of Rep. Gullas were with Samsam yesterday when he filed his COC. The district is comprised of the cities of Talisay, Carcar and Naga and the towns of Minglanilla, Sibonga and San Fernando. Among the six cities, five mayors have pledged their support for Samsam except for San Fernando Mayor Antonio Canoy who is with the Liberal Party.
But former San Fernando mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya and husband, barangay Panadtaran captain Ricardo Reluya, who are both still deciding who will run for mayor and vice-mayor in the town, were present during Samsam’s filing of his COC to show their support.
Samsam said he is confident that he will be able to lead the 1st district despite issues that he is too young for the position, especially since it is his first time as a public servant.
Samsam said that he was taught well by his “Papa Eddie.” He also said that he can use his young age to an advantage, given the strength he could exert more in helping his constituents.
“Everyone has to start somewhere.” But Samsam, who will be turning 28 this December, said that he can also use his experience working in the University of the Visayas, a Gullas-owned univerisy, for seven years. Samsam, the eldest son of Gerald Anthony “Didi” Gullas, is the assistant vice president for finance and administration in UV and the team manager of the school’s basketball team, the Green Lancers.
Representative Eddie also said that age is never a factor since in the current House of Representatives which he is part of, there are congressmen who are in their mid to late 20s as well and are doing very well representing their districts. He shared Samsam’s achievements having graduated summa cum in the Center for International Education in 2009 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Management.— (FREEMAN)