Gica is new VMLP prexy

CEBU, Philippines - The Liberal Party in Cebu has flexed its muscles as it takes the leadership of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines – Cebu Chapter, after the Philippine Councilors League Provincial Federation.

Dumanjug Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano “Gun-Gun” Gica of LP garnered the majority votes of 40 against Balamban Vice Mayor Rosario Binghay of One Cebu Party who only got 10 votes in yesterday’s election of the VMLP Cebu chapter.

The election committee was led by Department of Interior and Local Government provincial director Jerome Gonzales with Vice Mayors Gilbert Arrabis, Jr. (LP) of Daanbantayan and Marcial Rodriguez Jr. (One Cebu) of Alegria as members.

“I thank the vice mayor of Balamban, my relative. She fought a good fight,” Gica said.

Gica also thanked Gov. Hilario Davide III, the LP provincial head, for the support.

“I also thank the vice mayors for their trust to our governor,” Gica further said.

Gica assured to continue the programs of the VMLP left by former Toledo City vice mayor Arlene Zambo who lost in her reelection bid last May 13 elections.

Binghay immediately left the venue after the election and refused to be interviewed by the reporters after the election.

Other officers run unopposed like Vice Mayors Santiago Sevilla (LP) of Bogo City as vice president; Jonnah John Ungab (One Cebu) of Ronda as secretary-general; Iris Baylon-Gestopa (Bakud) of Catmon as treasurer; Mary Therese Cho (LP) of Cordova as auditor; and Noel Dotillos (Bakud) of Borbon as public relations officer.

Members of the board of directors are Vice Mayors Robert John Selma (Nacionalista Party) of Minglanilla and Romeo Villarante (LP) of Talisay City for the first district; Lito Narciso Creus Jr. (One Cebu) of Malabuyoc and Alfredo Awe (Independent) of Boljoon for the second district.

Vice Mayors Maria Honeylette Yapha-Lingad (LP) of Pinamungajan and Joel Dumdum (LP) of Asturias for the third district; Chad Kenneth Escario-Cañares (NUP) of Bantayan and Alfonso Pestolante (NUP) of San Remigio got the fourth district posts to the board. (FREEMAN)