Opposition expected Rep. Gullas' statement

CEBU, Philippines - Was the opposition in the Talisay City council surprised by the announcement made by first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas that he was running for mayor in the city next year?

City Councilor Romeo Villarante said they already knew Gullas would vie for mayor in Talisay.

“Unsa man, na-surpresa ba mi? Wala na mi na-surpresa niana. Kahibalo na ming daan sa iyang plano,” Villarante said. 

Three members of the Talisay City council belong to the opposition, namely, Villarante, Danilo Caballero, and Valeriano “Val” Ylanan.

This is the second time Gullas will run for mayor in Talisay City, which he is also called the father of the charter city.

Gullas is the author of the House Bill converting Talisay into a city. 

Gullas announced his intention to run for city mayor in the presence of mayors and vice mayors of cities and towns belonging to the first district.

Before announcing his decision to seek the mayoralty post, Gullas said he would have wanted to concentrate running the University of the Visayas, which is owned by their family and where he sits as president.

Gullas, who was mayor of Talisay from 2001 to 2004 after serving three terms in Congress, said the decision to run for mayor is a response to the call of service and after undergoing a “great deal of consultation” with the leaders of his political party.

He said he wanted his son, Gerard Anthony “Didi” Gullas, to run for mayor in Talisay City, but the younger Gullas said he wants to concentrate on running the school where he is the vice president for finance and administration.

Gullas held various political offices over the past years.

But Villarante said it would be better if Gullas would beg off from the mayoralty post and instead give it to the “Talisaynon.”

The congressman, who resides in barangay Tangke, was questioned in court in 2007 when he first ran for mayor in the city.

“Is he the only one who can save Talisay? It’s time unta to pass the baton to the Talisaynon,” Villarante said. 

Villarante assured that the opposition will field an opponent against Gullas. 

“Daghan sa mga Talisaynon ang nasuko gyud sa grupo ni Gullas ug ang 2013 election mao ang panahon nga sila makabawos,” Villarante said. 

In the 2013 elections, at least three Gullases will be running. 

Gullas’ grandson Gerard Anthony “Samsam” Gullas will run for a congressional seat.

Another grandson, incumbent Talisay City Councilor Eduardo “Digul” Gullas III will seek reelection next year.

But the congressman denied allegations that his family is establishing a political dynasty in the district particularly in Talisay City.

“Let’s submit it to the people and let the people decide. If they don’t like us, they can turn us down,” Gullas said.  (FREEMAN)