One Cebu exodus to the LP starts

CEBU, Philippines - Barely two months since they assumed office, a total of 18 One Cebu and independent town officials in the second district joined the administration’s Liberal Party.

The officials took their oath yesterday before Gov. Hilario Davide III, the provincial chairman of the LP in Cebu.

The One Cebu candidates in the last May 13 elections who formally joined LP yesterday were former Badi an mayor and now councilor Carmencita Lumain, Alegria Vice Mayor Marcial Rodriguez Jr., Ronda councilors Jorge Llego and Jay Ann Cañete, and Boljoon councilor Restycel Getubig, Alcantara Vice Mayor Beatriz Caburnay, former Alcantara mayor and now councilor Benjamin Lobitaña and councilors Fritz Lastimoso, Margarito Basilisco and Feliciano Ferrarin.

Those who ran as independent candidates in the last elections who joined the LP were Alcantara Mayor Fredo Cañete and his councilors, Manolito Lambo, Serwin Marcellana, Larry Llenos and Pedpab Tapales, as well as councilors Luisa Manayaga of Moalboal, and Leonila Nicanor and Maria Theresa Alcala of Boljoon.

There were also former leaders of One Cebu who attended the gathering.

Second district Rep. Wilfredo Caminero, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Provincial Board Members Peter John Calderon and Christopher Baricuatro stood was witnesses to the oathtaking of the officials.

“Importante kaayo nga lig-on ta sa segundo distrito,” said Davide in his speech and emphasized that Caminero still has two more terms in Congress while President Benigno Aquino III also still has three more years in Malacañang.

Caminero said the event was just the start of their efforts to strengthen and expand party membership, adding that there are more officials from the different areas in the province who wish to join the LP but strict screening procedures have been put in place.

Magpale, a member of the screening committee, said that there is a “stringent process” in the selection of members, making sure that those who join the party adhere to the principles of LP, which is “to do things right and to do things the right way.”

Caminero also assured that even if the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in Congress was abolished, LP members have nothing to worry.

He named their group with Davide, Magpale, Calderon and Baricuatro as “five big pillars” in the second district, who are working together for their constituents.

Aside from massive barangay consultation, Caminero bared that the party is now preparing for the barangay elections, saying that it is crucial for the 2016 elections. — /QSB (FREEMAN)