Apura’s slate gets endorsement from Davide

CEBU, Philippines - Reelectionist Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura and his lineup for the 2016 polls were formally endorsed by Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday at the City Sports Complex.

Davide explained that LP presidential bet Mar Roxas chose Representative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas of the local Alayon party to be the standard bearer of LP in the first district.

Though the Alayon of the Gullases has long identified themselves with the Nacionalista Party, it is supporting the candidacy of Roxas because of familial ties.

In fact, Davide told the Carcaranons in his speech that Roxas would go with Gullas whenever he visits Cebu.

LP national leaders reportedly instructed Davide not to give Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) to opponent candidates, including Alayon.

Davide’s endorsement of Apura, who is affiliated with Alayon, is an exception.

Davide said he is supporting Apura because they have an arrangement which “he could not break.”

“To be fair to everyone dili mi mangampanya. Gani dako kini og risgo namo pero nipasalig man pud ang Alayon mao nga mapasalamaton kaayo mi,” said Davide.

He said it is his first time to face a situation wherein two parties are showing support to him and to the presidential aspirant.

“Labad gyud kaayo ang akong ulo sa pagsige og huna-huna pero naa man ang mga mayor sa Alayon nga mihatag og tambag unya apil pud ang grupo sa LP,” Davide said.

“I don’t know what they should call it but it’s just a matter of recognition of their support. I just want to be fair for the LP and those candidates who show support,” Davide added.

On his part, Mayor Apura was grateful for the endorsement. He is running with Vice Mayor Patrick Barcenas.

“Nindot ang nahitabo kay aduna na gyu’y ebidensya ba mura gani og nagpakasal ka nga naa na’y marriage contract,” Apura told The FREEMAN.

He admitted that he was dismayed by Davide’s gesture of giving CONA to his opponent, Board Member Yayoy Alcoseba. But he said he will still welcome it if Davide also endorses Alcoseba.

Apura said that if Alcoseba is the original LP member in the city, then they are the special candidates.

“Due to his sincerity, then we would also give our sincerity to him and to Secretary Roxas by supporting them,” Apura added.

Davide said he would also do the same activity if Alcoseba wants it, too.

The city councilors of Apura are Elvi Sandoy, Bernadette Barcenas, Roger Montesclaros, Mercedita Apura, Victor Ian del Rosario, Edgardo Oca, Junie Kamingaw, Jerry Sandoy, Jay Garcia, and Herbie De Dios.

Present yesterday were Mayor Lionel Bacaltos of Sibonga town, Mayor Valdemar Chiong of  Naga City and Mayor Elanito Peña of Minglanilla town.

The Alayon-affiliated mayors said the recent development will strengthen their relationship with Davide.

Gullas, in a phone interview, said he was also happy of the development as he once again assured that their incumbent and challenging mayors and vice mayors will campaign with Davide, Vice Governor Magpale and Roxas.

Gullas was not able to join yesterday’s event since he had a meeting with Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

Magpale was also not able to attend the function since she attended the wake of a close friend in Asturias town. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News