Team Rama gets Magdalo support

 CEBU, Philippines - Team Rama claimed yesterday that it has the support of the local members of the Magdalo Group for the May 2013 elections.

No formal agreement was made, but former Magdalo officer Francisco Ashley Acedillo said the Magdalo Para sa Pagbabago Movement-Cebu Chapter is having talks with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for cooperation.

This cooperation, Acedillo said, may continue beyond the election next year.  Acedillo told The FREEMAN in a phone interview yesterday that they support the programs of Rama since he became mayor. 

He said they have been actively participating in the programs of the city government.

Former city councilor Jocelyn “Joy” Pesquera said before members of the media that Magdalo is supporting Team Rama.

Pesquera mentioned the Magdalo support during talks about Senator Antonio Trillanes’ visit to City Hall yesterday afternoon to turn over an ambulance to the Cebu City Medical Center.

Trillanes, who heads the Magdalo Group, led over 300 soldiers in a failed Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 against the government of then president Gloria Arroyo.

Team Rama campaign manager Councilor Jose “Joey” Daluz III said he assumes they have the support of the Magdalo Group because a Team Rama supporter has close connection with the leaders of the group.

Reports circulated last week that Mayor Rama has been meeting with the members of the Magdalo Group in Cebu headed by Acedillo.

Acedillo confirmed there is an ongoing talk with the mayor.

He said the Magdalo-Cebu Chapter wants a partnership with the local government unit that will go beyond the election.

He said the Magdalo Para sa Pagbabago Movement supports Rama’s advocacy on youth development, urban revitalization and poverty alleviation.

“Mayor Mike Rama is not unknown to us. Ever since he became a mayor, we have been actively participating in his programs. So it is not a total surprise if we find a common ground,” Acedillo said.

The Cebu chapter has recruited hundreds of members since 2009, but Acedillo said they can give Team Rama, if ever, the kind of support more than their votes.

Trillanes said during his visit to the City Hall yesterday that local Magdalo groups have the liberty to support local candidates they prefer.

“This is our policy in the Magdalo Group. The local chapter has the autonomy to choose kung sino po ang gusto nilang local leaders dahil sila yung mas nakakaalam sa mga kandidato,” Trillanes said.

“We don’t try to influence the local chapters, that’s how we work,” he added.

Trillanes, a member of the Nacionalista Party, is seeking reelection under the Liberal Party-Nacionalista Party-National Unity Party Coalition.

He is part of the LP slate that will be supported by the city’s LP candidates who are under the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan of Rep. Tomas Osmeña. — /LPM (FREEMAN)