Paz: Nothing wrong with dynasties

CEBU, Philippines - Three members of the Radaza clan formalized their participation to the 2016 polls with their filing of certificates of candidacy in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday.

Seeking for their respective re-elections are Mayor Paz Radaza, her daughter Representative Aileen Radaza and nephew City Councilor Harry Radaza.

From the Virgen dela Regla Parish in Barangay Poblacion where they heard the Mass, Mayor Radaza led the entire Deretso Team to the office of the Commission on Elections at the City Hall around 9 a.m. to file their COCs.

Outside the office, supporters clad in blue and yellow shirts marshaled in a show of support. Among them was former congressman Arturo “Boy” Radaza.

Mayor Radaza, 66, granted a media interview after the filing where she was asked her opinion on political dynasties.

She said she finds nothing wrong with dynasties, as long as officials are able to serve their constituents well. “Kung nag-serve sad og tarong, natan-aw nga duna gyu’y nabuhat, mas maayo,” she said.

Her councilor slate includes Harry Radaza, Melissa Vidal, Elias Berdin, Eduardo Patalinghug, Leo Mercado and Roque Wagwag, as well as new entrants Doctor Cipriano Flores, Damian Gomez and lawyers Flaviano Eyas Jr., Nelson Yap, Gregorio Paquibot Jr. and Ricardo Amores.

Earlier, three other groups individually led by mayoralty aspirants Angel Rodriguez, Rolando Patalinjug and Prospero Imbong Cabahug already submitted their COCs.

If elected as mayor, Patalinjug said he will focus on developing the city’s infrastructure while Rodriguez said he will prioritize the needs of senior citizens and the urban poor which he believes have not been attended to enough by the past and present administrations.

Mayor Radaza said she respects their perspectives but countered that her administration is doing its best given the resources it has.

“Anyway, sa ilaha man nang panan-aw. But then sa among panan-aw hinuon, di man ko kaingon nga fully accomplished gyud tanan but we’re doing our best,” she said.

She refused to issue any more comments on the other mayoralty candidates apart from saying they also have the right to run.

She then wished them good luck.

“Maningkamot lang mi sa usa’g-usa. Among gibuhat nga serbisyo, amoa pa gyud nga palapdan,” she said. — Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (FREEMAN)