No LP free zone in first district – Chiong

CEBU, Philippines – Despite alliances between local Alayon Party and the Liberal Party, there won't be a "free zone" in Cebu's first district.

City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong told The FREEMAN that this was among those that transpired during their recent meeting with LP provincial chairman and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III.

The meeting was attended by members of the Alayon Party, including its founder, former Cebu first district representative Eduardo Gullas and incumbent Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, mayors and vice mayors in the district.

A political party declares a city or province a free zone when it fields no candidate in such city or province.

The first district is composed of the cities of Talisay, Naga and Carcar, and municipalities of Minglanilla, San Fernando and Sibonga. Of the six, only Talisay and San Fernando are not currently controlled by Alayon.

Samsam and Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, who is an "original" LP member since 2010, are open to the possibility of declaring the city a free zone in the coming elections.

But Chiong said they already informed Davide that they are not open to the idea of making the district a free zone.

"What free zone? There is no possibility that the district will be a free zone," Chiong said, adding that they are already aware that Samsam is being "adopted" by the LP.  The congressman is reportedly close to LP presidential bet Mar Roxas.

Samsam will be challenged by San Fernando Mayor and LP Cebu first district chairman Abe Canoy.

"Reality man na sa politika kay nahitabo naman na kaniadto. It's no longer new to us," Chiong said. He added that Davide is set to call a separate meeting with Canoy.

"If they (LP) want the district to be a zona-libre, okay ra man pero it is not advisable ilabi na sa gobernador ug kang Secretary Roxas. What if mapilde sila sa first district, who will take the blame? Of course, wala'y mabasol ug ang mahitabo magtudlo-tudlo nalang unya kung kinsa ang basulon," Chiong said.

Sought for comment as to whether he will be the official candidate for the LP in the congressional district, Samsam only said that announcement will be done sooner.

"Let's give it sometime. We will announce once everything is in place," Samsam said.

For Vice Mayor Villarante, he said he is already aware of the internal alliances at the LP provincial level. 

The vice mayor said Davide and Roxas will be placed in a compromising situation if the city will not be placed under free zone.

Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, Villarante and Gullas are one endorsing support for the re-election bid of Davide and Roxas for president.

But De los Reyes is not for free zone.

"Mura'g lisod na ang free zone. Ako man ang gi-acknowledge sa LP kay bisan unsaon nila pag-color-color kita man gyud ang tinuod nga yellow, ang Liberal," De los Reyes said, insisting that he is the appointed chairman of the Liberal Party in the city for the coming 2016 elections. 

De los Reyes posted the certification of appointment signed and endorsed by LP Secretary General Mel Senen Sarmiento dated January 5 at the front door of his office.

De los Reyes maintained that his certification only proves that Liberal Party recognizes him as the chairman of the party in the city. He believes that he will be endorsed by the party.