Paulus Cañete eyes Mandaue mayorship

CEBU, Philippines - Controversial Mandaue City College president Paulus Mariae Cañete is eyeing politics in 2016.

Cañete manifested his interest to run for mayor of Mandaue City while Mayor Jonas Cortes is now on his last term.

The administration of Cortes replaced MCC, which used to be under the city government, with another city-recognized school that bears the same name.

But Cañete’s MCC continues to operate in its bigger location at H. Abellana Street, Basak, Mandaue City since September 2012.

In September 27, 2005, the city government under the administration of former city mayor Thadeo Ouano enacted City Ordinance No. 10-2005-324A, “An Ordinance Establishing Mandaue City College and Authorizing the Appropriation of Funds Therefore.”

While they both belong to the Liberal Party, Ouano is reportedly grooming his daughter, City Councilor Emmarie “Lollipop” Dizon for mayor while Cortes’ camp will also field sixth district Representative Gabriel Luis “Luigi” Quisumbing for mayor in 2016.

A report said that Cortes and Ouano will run against each other for Congress.

While Cañete is identified as an ally of Ouano, he said he can be an alternate candidate for mayor.

Cañete is nephew of former Mandaue City vice mayor Paterno Cañete.

He is also conceptualizing a partylist group for mediamen called “Ako Media.”

Cañete said he is not necessarily among the nominees but his intention is to help the media sector get representation in Congress like the other sectors.

“Info-based g’yud ta unya wa ta’y representation?” he said.

Cañete has a weekly radio program over DYLA while his DYPC-FM station is set to operate soon at his MCC campus.

He said he would be asking the support of other media leaders starting in Cebu in catching up the registration until October 15 next year.

He will also reach out to his media friends in Mindanao to support the cause.

Cañete was groomed to run for councilor in 2013 elections but he declined to give more preference in running the MCC despite his rift with Cortes which led to numerous lawsuits.

He said there were offers for him to run not only as a councilor, but as a member of the Provincial Board or as vice mayor as well. — Gregg M. Rubio/NSA (FREEMAN)