San Fernando town mayor against LP-Alayon merger

CEBU, Philippines - A proposed coalition with the Liberal Party and the Alayon Party headed by Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo Gullas to ensure a unified ticket in the local level will never materialize. 

This was the assurance made by San Fernando Mayor and LP district chairman Antonio “Abe” Canoy along with other LP stalwarts opposed to the proposed alliance with the LP and the Alayon Party of the first district of Cebu. 

The first district of Cebu Province has six local governments. The cities of Talisay, Naga, and Carcar, and the municipalities of Minglanilla, Sibonga and San Fernando.

Of the six LGU’s, only San Fernando is identified with the LP. 

Canoy is now weighing his options whether to seek re-election or seek a congressional seat.

If he runs for congress, Canoy will face third and last termer Rep. Gullas’ eldest grandson, Gerard Anthony “Samsam” Gullas. 

If he seeks another term, he will face his rival, barangay Panadtaran captain Nonoy Reluya, the husband of former San Fernando town mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya, who will seek the vice mayoralty post. 

Reluya said if the Alayon party head will decide to ally with LP, they will also follow suit.

Reluya said they plan to form a separate LP-Alayon bloc to counter the current mayor’s candidacy considering that Canoy is the LP district head.

Talisay City opposition Councilor Romeo Villarante told reporters that the alliance will only do more harm than good. 

Even if LP and Alayon coalesce, Villarante said that they are not really thrilled with the notion that they’re going to ally with their worst rivals in next year’s elections.

He said nearly everyone of the LP elected members in the first district does not approve of the alliance being planned. 

The expected scenario in next year’s elections would turn into a turf war between the original LP stalwarts and that of Alayon members recently affiliated with the LP, he said. - THE FREEMAN