CEBU, Philippines - Most of the incumbent mayors in Cebu are supporting the senatorial bid of Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
Former Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas said in a press conference that 28 incumbent mayors in Cebu are supporting Hagedorn while six former mayors are also backing the Palawan official.
"Mixed ticket na, both from the Liberal Party and UNA. But I won't say the percentage but majority are from UNA," said Wagas.
Cebu has 44 municipal mayors and nine city mayors.
Hagedorn, in the same press conference expressed his gratitude for the support as this would surely boost his senatorial bid.
"I am happy and thankful of the support," said Hagedorn, who is also supported by One Cebu, the local party of suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, which is affiliated with UNA.
Former President Joseph Estrada, Chairman Emiritus of Partido ng Masang Pilipino had endorsed Hagedorn together with independent senatorial candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Grace Poe of Team PNoy to complete the 12 senatorial ticket of UNA.
Hagedorn said the league of city mayors and municipal mayors also endorsed his candidacy and there is no doubt that even Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is supporting his bid.
Wagas said that Hagedorn is chosen by the majority of the mayors in Cebu because of his exemplary performance as mayor.
Hagedorn was responsible for the transformation of Puerto Princesa, which is famous for its underground river, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Hagedorn credited the Cebuanos for their support in making the underground river top tourist spot.
"Daming nag text na mga Cebuanos para maging number one ang Underground River. I hope yung votes ninyo ganoon din yung votes para sa akin. Siguro mga one million votes out of the 24 million votes came from the Cebuanos," Hagedorn said.
Hagedorn, who is also awarded as the Most Outstanding Environmental Mayor said there is no need to create more environment laws.
"Less than one percent of our environmental laws remain unimplemented. There is no need to make more laws on this. Let us not waste money in making more laws," said Hagedorn.
During his stint, Puerto Princesa City became a Hall of Famer as the Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines.
Hagedorn also said environmental protection is the core driving force of his projects and programs in his city.
Hagedorn's advocacy for ecological progress paved the way in transforming Puerto Princesa into a flourishing city with a clean and healthy urban environment.
Hagedorn is also for the amendment of Local Government Code of the Philippines, specifically on the term limits of elected public officials.
"Three years in one term of a public official is too short. Maybe we can amend that to five years if we want long term development," he added.
His legislative agenda include rural development, increase of government subsidy to farmers and fisher folks, creation of post-harvest facilities all over the country and promotion of eco-tourism in every region, among others. (FREEMAN)