Team Rama claims support of captains

CEBU, Philippines - A Team Rama official has claimed that only three out of 34 barangay captains in the south district remain with Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan.

Tinago Barangay Captain Joel Garganera, who is also vice president of the Association of Barangay Councils, said that only Guadalupe, Buhisan, and Labangon have remained in the opposition.

 “We’re getting stronger, stronger compared to the last election,” he told reporters.

Also yesterday, at least six barangays previously identified with BOPK have officially declared allegiance to Mayor Michael Rama.

The barangay captains of Cogon Pardo, Bulacao, Sudlon II, Tabunan, Bonbon, and Babag said they received millions worth of projects from Rama even if they did not deliver votes for him in 2013.

Garganera said this implies that Team Rama is stronger in the coming election. He named the barangay captains that are under Team Rama now: Harry Eran (Cogon Pardo), Rodrigo Jabellana (Bulacao), Winefredo Macario (Sudlon II), Lucresia Gabato (Tabunan), Alexander Ibarita (Bonbon), and Cesar Dolorito (Babag).

The six barangay captains were present during the press conference yesterday.

Eran said his barangay received many projects from the present administration like solid waste management, flood control projects, ambulance, among others.

“Wala gyod mi naka support sa Team Rama before, pero pagsulod nako sa City Hall nangayo og project para sa barangay, wala gyod mi gi-discriminate, gihatagan gyod mi,” he said.

Other barangay captains also expressed the same experience.

 Garganera said that they are doing this initiative to show support to the present administration, while protesting the acts of the members of the City Council.

“To tell you honestly, nangahadlok ang mga kapitan kadtong gipugngan ang pagbaligya sa SRP (South Road Properties). Unya kadto pong nakadawat ang syudad og good financial housekeeping sa DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), ang konseho mismo ang mi-kwestyon,” he said.

He said that the barangay officials did not expect the members of the City Council to question something that is good for the people.

“Undangon na unta ang serbisyong pamulitika,” Garganera added.

Last May, the BOPK-dominated City Council questioned the Good Financial Housekeeping award that the city received from the DILG.

Last August, the City Council passed a resolution asking the executive department to put off the sale of 45.2 hectare lot at SRP, which amounts to P16.7 billion.  (FREEMAN)