Bucao will yield to party's wishes

CEBU, Philippines - Despite his desire to run for mayor next year, Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan Bucao would run for reelection if his party says so.

“Huwat na lang kung unsay ihatag sa akong partido dawaton nako,” said Bucao in a phone interview.

Bucao earlier said if he could have his way, he will run for mayor in 2013 now that Mayor Socrates Fernandez, a party mate, is on his third and last term.

But with first district Eduardo Gullas being reported to run in Fernandez’s place, Bucao said he will bow to the wishes of his party.

Gullas, who is also on his last term as congressman, is president of Alayon Party, which supported the candidacy of Fernandez and Bucao in May 2010.

“Mag-mayor unta. Pero di ko gusto mga mosuway sa partido,” he said.

When asked if he is willing to slide down as a councilor, the incumbent vice mayor said it would be an “insult” if he were told do so.

“Insulto nasad na. I’ve done my best as a vice mayor, so I see no reason to slide down,” he said.

The Alayon Party has not announced its candidate for the 2013 polls yet, but it has been rumored that it will field Fernandez as the vice mayoralty post.

Bucao, who was elected as a councilor in 2007, is serving his first term as a vice mayor.

Earlier he expressed his interest to run for mayor, even for a term only. 

But he may have to change his mind following reports that his party may not pick him for that position for the 2013 polls.

A seat in the Provincial Board is not tempting for him either, saying he still has many plans for his city.

“Ever since, wa koy plano mobiya sa Talisay. Dako pa akong plano para sa syudad,” he said.

As of this writing, Bucao has no idea who his party would field for next year’s election.

The party itself will announce it in the coming months as the Commission on Elections has calendared the filing of certificates of candidacy for the coming local poll on October 1 to 5 this year. - THE FREEMAN