Stay or disband? Villarante eyes possibilities

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante is studying the possibility of bolting from the administration Liberal Party and to shift his alliance to the United Nationalist Alliance.

"Shift of alliance to another party, that is a possibility nga mag-UNA ta. We have to be reminded that it's a strong party now, aside from LP," said Villarante, who is one of the original LP members in the city since 2010.

Without dropping names, Villarante confirmed that an official from UNA has told him that Vice President Jejomar Binay wanted to talk to him.

Villarante showed a text message to reporters saying, "Binay wants to talk to u."

Villarante has earlier expressed displeasure over “the unfair treatment against original LP members” who had been with the party when then Hilario Davide III ran but lost for governorship in 2010 against then governor and now Representative Gwendolyn Garcia.

According to Villarante, he was aware that LP is leaning to appoint Cebu First District Representative Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas as provincial district chairman.

Gullas’ party, the Alayon, is in coalition with the LP and has already expressed support to LP standard bearer Mar Roxas.

Describing the body language of the LP leaders, Villarante said the original LP members were already displaced as the LP officials are “giving more importance to the Gullases.”

He is hoping that Davide, as LP’s current provincial chairman, will soon declare the party’s official candidates in the first district.

"Naghuwat nalang gyud ko sa declaration ni Governor Davide. I hope he will declare soon," Villarante said, although admitting that it would be more advantageous on his part to be backed by the administration because of “resources.”

Villarante, however, said he cannot blame the LP leadership if they will support Gullas because of the political clout of the Alayon in the district is "intact."

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.

Asked whether aligning with UNA will affect his candidacy, Villarante said: "The issues of UNA are national issues. I don't think they will affect us in the local scene."

Meanwhile, Gullas remained silent on speculations of him possibly appointed by LP's district chairman.

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