Naga mayor to support Davide in 2016 election

CEBU, Philippines - City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong reiterated his support to the re-election bid of Governor Hilario Davide III during his birthday party the other night, which was attended by the governor himself and other local mayors.

“Akong balikon pagsulti ang akong commitment with Governor Davide in 2016 is personal, way partidohay. But this is with the consent of Congressman Samsam (Gullas),” said Chiong in his brief speech before his audience, who also included friends, relatives and city residents.

His party, held in his residence just across the city’s public park, also coincided with the city’s 7th Charter Day anniversary.

This is the second time Chiong declared his support to Davide. The first was when he gave his state of the Naga address last Monday. The third-term mayor said then he will support the Davide-Magpale tandem of the Liberal Party.

Chiong and his party, Alayon (of the Gullases), campaigned for Pablo John Garcia, who ran for governor in 2013.

Pablo John defeated Davide in Naga and Sibonga, two of the four Alayon-allied local government units in the first district. In the past elections, Alayon had supported former governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s candidacy.

As confirmation of their support, Samsam, who also attended Chiong’s party, rendered a song he sang with Davide’s wife, Jobelle.

“Kung sa una ‘Bakit ngayon ka lang?’ Karon ‘Endless Love’ na. Kay ni-commit naman tanan mayor,” said the young congressman.

For his part, Davide has not yet made vocal his intention to run for re-election. He has since been attending events in Naga since Chiong jumped ship.  (FREEMAN)