ABC chief to stick with Team Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Association of Barangay Council (ABC) President and Tisa Village Chief Phillip Zafra denied rumors that he already bolted out of Team Rama.

He, however, admitted that he reached out to the present administration to solve the issues surrounding the barangays in the city, including the seven-month delay in the release of the honoraria of barangay workers whose leaders are connected with the opposition.

“Well, nahibong mi ani nga balita ba.  It all started kay ako, as an ABC president, all the time I’ve been hearing concerns.  Magpatabang sa atoang barangay nga about issues or about services sa barangay nga na-delatar for the past seven months including honorariums sa barangay staff and nagtuo ko by reaching out to the administration maoy makasulbad sa problema.  Nakasulbad gyud kay na-release man ang na-pending,” Zafra said.

He vows to support the programs of the current administration as long as it is for the welfare of the residents of the city, but he said he will remain with the opposition.

“As to ingon nga mobali, that’s beside the question considering that I became what I am now because of (former mayor) Mike Rama and Team Rama.  But sala lang siguro nako is ni-reach out ko sa administration kay mao na ang akoang nakita nga pamaagi nga matabangan nako ang barangay concerned. I’m not only a councilor but I have an executive function being a barangay captain, niya dili ko gusto nga ma-inefficient ko in that aspect nga igo lang ko sa pagpaminaw nila unya wala koy mahimo,” he added.

He further said that when he approached the administration officials, he was treated well and they listened to him.

“You know they listened to us.  That is the reason gani nga nabalik sa atoang opisina ang processing sa payroll sa tanod ug lupon. I find nothing wrong with that so long as we know the parameters,” Zafra added.

Zafra confirmed that he received offers from the administration party, which he said is just normal in politics.

“Expected man gyud na, they are always like that. Even Team Rama also (send of offers) and to let somebody join our team,” he said.

Zafra also divulged that he no longer has plans to run in the upcoming barangay elections.

Aside from Zafra, City Councilors Pastor “Jun” Alcover, James Anthony Cuenco and Jerry Guardo were rumored to be joining the administration’s Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan.

The three have since denied the report.

Osmeña has earlier downplayed talks about Team Rama councilors moving to his party.

“You know I don’t want to get caught in this discussion, it’s between them and the councilors. I’m not concentrating on them, I’m concentrating on big fights you know,” he said. (FREEMAN)