One Cebu mayors shifting alliances?

CEBU, Philippines - Does a pledge in support of the programs of the governor by mayors coming from the opposition mean a jump ship of political parties?

Not yet, said two mayors allied with the One Cebu party who visited Governor Hilario Davide III last Monday.

But the mayors hinted this is a path they may be taking.

Tabuelan Mayor Rex Gerona said talks are currently ongoing but their purpose of visiting Davide was  mainly for a courtesy call and to assure Davide that they support his programs.

“Padung na ta dinha, “ said Mayor Gerona who was with Vice Mayor Raul Gerona and the municipal councilmen in visiting Davide. They are from the National Unity Party, an ally of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s One Cebu party. They also visited Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and also pledged their support for her programs. Davide and Magpale are both under the administration’s Liberal Party.

Gerona and his councilmen were led by 4th district Representative Benhur Salimbangon, also from NUP, along with 90 other officials from the district such as Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez and Vice Mayor Al Lim.

Madridejos Mayor Salvador de la Fuente, Vice Mayor Floreto Batayola and all members of the town council, all under the opposition party, also promised Davide that they will support his programs.

“Amo pa nang panagstoryaan,” said de la Fuente on the possibility of them transferring to the Liberal Party. He said though that personally, he believes they should go with the administration.

“Telling you the truth, sa ako side, kung kinsa administration dapat lang man sad toa ta didto aron kung unsa concern sa mga tawo ma-address sad tanan.”

In a separate interview with the media, Congressman Salimbangon said he spoke with Davide on the projects of the 4th district especially those that have already been started but have yet to be completed due to change in administration and the suspension of former governor Garcia in December.

Salimbangon highlighted the Sta. Fe airport project which he said has already gone through concreting.  According to Salimbangon, Davide assured him he will look into it.

Salimbangon has been pushing for the Sta. Fe airport to boost the economy of the district, giving more jobs to the people and providing more income to the tows around it. – (FREEMAN)