Venue of UNA rally moved to Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines -  The United Nationalist Alliance has decided to move the venue of its proclamation rally to Cebu City from Toledo City.

UNA Secretary General and Navotas Representative Tobias "Toby" Tiangco confirmed to The FREMAN that their national kickoff and proclamation rally on February 12 will now be held at the Maritima Heritage grounds near the Cebu City Hall.

It was earlier announced that the venue of the event would be in Toledo City but Tiangco said they also considered the request to have it held in Cebu City.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama had said it would be best if the proclamation rally be held in the city.

Rama said he would not be attending the rally if it would be held in the province as it might create confusion among the voters.

Yesterday, the mayor said he is already preparing for the event but did not divulge anything, only saying that he wanted the details be given gradually.

After learning that his political rival, south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña will be campaigning for Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha, who is running for congresswoman in Cebu third district against the suspended Governor Gwen Garcia, Rama said Osmeña can do what he wants.

"I want to win, not because of any advantage but because I can beat him. Dili ko gustong modaug ko nga wala siya. Paaria diri kay makadaug man gihapon ko bisag naa siya ngari," said Rama.

Rama said he will not be campaigning for Garcia in the province but that does not mean he is not supporting the suspended governor.

In fact, Rama said they will file a case against the police headed by Police Regional Office-7 Director Marcelo Garbo over the tension at the Capitol.

Earlier, Rama said he would ask Camp Crame and Malacañang to replace Garbo for alleged abuse of power.

The mayor had met with his lawyers at the City Hall to discuss the case that they will file against top police officials in Central Visayas.

Tiangco said that they understand Rama's sentiments.

But with time and budget constraints, Tiangco said they needed to compromise and find a way since they can only have one rally in Cebu.

He said even Garcia is supportive of the move to hold the rally in Cebu City.

"She was very understanding," said Tiangco.

He said instead of having UNA's supporters go to the province, it would be One Cebu supporters who would go to Cebu City.

Toledo City Vice Mayor Arlene Zambo said they are not disheartened over the decision to transfer the event.

Tiangco said that all UNA candidates for the senatorial slate would be present during the rally.

UNA leader Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was in Cebu last month, will lead the activities.

He will be joined by former president Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

The event will start at 6 a.m. with a Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by a motorcade from Cebu City to other areas in Metro Cebu, including the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. -/LPM (FREEMAN)