Davide snubs LP rally in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines - Liberal Party gubernatorial candidate, Hilario “Junjun” Davide III, did not show up at the proclamation rally of his allies in Toledo City yesterday led by mayoral candidate, former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña.

Osmeña, bringing the banner of Panaghiusa is running without any political party following his disappointment on the leadership of Davide as provincial chairman of LP in Cebu.

But his runningmate, former third district Rep. Antonio Yapha Jr., and 10 candidates for councilor belong to LP.

Davide’s runningmate, acting governor Agnes Magpale dropped by and delivered a brief speech before the estimated crowd of 6,000 occupying a block of Rafols St. in Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City fronting the Consolatrix College.

Magpale just explained the battle cry of straight path of the Aquino administration.

She endorsed Osmeña, Yapha and councilors including congressional candidate, Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine “Gaye” Yapha, and lone candidate for provincial board member, Engr. Grecilda Sanchez, but she never mentioned Davide.

All other candidates were noticeably also did not mention Davide in their speeches.

Osmeña in his speech lambasted his opponent, incumbent Mayor Aurelio “Rudy” Espinosa, and daughter, Vice Mayor Arlene Zambo, for having the family members running for councilors and for owning almost all the businesses in Toledo City.

He also hit the Espinosas for going after one of his candidates for councilor, former vice mayor Ricardo Rafols, who is now languishing in the New Bilibid Prison.

“Si Rudy atong ipuli kang Rafols,” Osmeña said.

Rafols was represented by his sister, Riza, who  emotionally told the people about the ailing condition of her brother in Manila.

Osmeña asked the people to just receive the money the Espinosas are reportedly pouring in this coming election.

“Sama ra nga siya miangkon nga nangawat siya sa pondo sa gobyerno,” he said.

Osmeña announced that he still has nine more rallies in big barangays after the proclamation rally yesterday to explain more of his programs.

Sanchez, on the other hand, did not present any platforms if elected as PB member.

Instead, she attacked the Garcias whom she alleged as exhausting the funds of the Provincial Government leaving only P90 million.

Mayor Yapha also made a comparison between her and her opponent, suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

“Kwartahan siya, pobre ra intawn ko; gwapa siya, mas gwapa ko,” Yapha said.

Before the proclamation rally, a mass was held at St. John of Sahagun.

Two showbiz personalities, Jaycee Parker and DJ Durano, entertained the crowd.

Meanwhile, One Cebu Party led by gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Pablo John Garcia and Gov. Garcia, will also lead the caravan in the third district today.

A proclamation rally will also be held in Toledo City tonight. — (FREEMAN)