Another urban poor group backs BOPK

CEBU, Philippines - After Urban Poor Solidarity Federation (UPSFED) declared support for Team Rama, another federation of urban poor endorsed Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), denying rumors that they support the mayor and his party.

At least  140 leaders from different homeowner’s associations belonging to Urban Poor Alliance (UP-ALL) in Cebu City gathered at the Pagtambayayong Inc. office to affirm their opposition on UPSFED’s declaration of support.

Rodrigo Buhawe, president of UP-ALL,  who claims to have around 300 member associations all over Cebu province, said that majority of them have supported BOPK since they were established in 2009.

Buhawe pointed out, however, that a member of their federation, the Calamba Homeowner’s Association, is endorsing congressional candidate Aristotle “Totol” Batuhan of Team Rama and the said association asked permission first before endorsing the congressional bet.

“Naa man sila’y utang-kabubut-on ni Batuhan, kay gitabangan man niya sila (CALAMHA) sa mga legal issues nila sauna,” explained Buhawe.

He also pointed out that since UP-ALL is wider in scope, UPSFED can never speak for them.

According to UP-ALL’s focal person, Mayette Manatan, the federation has chapters in Talisay, Naga, Cordova, and Consolacion, among others, while UPSFED is only based in Cebu City.

UPSFED president Samsin Chiu, on the other hand, says he respects UP-ALL’s decision to support the BOPK.

“Amigo ra man ming tanan. Magkabuwag-buwag ra sad mi pag-abot sa politika kay lahi-lahi man atong baruganan,” Chiu said in a phone interview, adding that Buhawe is his good friend.

Chiu added that their stand depends on people’s interpretation of issues and how the media writes about them.

Two weeks ago, the Alliance of Peoples Organization Working for the Empowerment and Resettlement (ALL POWER) endorsed BOPK. In reaction to this, UPSFED declared support for Team Rama, with Chiu stressing that they have been behind the mayor and his party even before their final pronouncement. (FREEMAN)