Tomas admits ‘defection’ to affect BOPK in 2016

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City congressman Tomas Osmeña has acknowledged that the apparent shift of allegiance by seven barangay captains to Team Rama would have an impact on his group’s campaign at the barangay level in the 2016 elections.

“Yes” was his short reply when asked through a text message if what the barangay captains did would have an effect on Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan.

The seven barangay captains were Orlan Herrera (Guba), Maria Velasquez (Pulangbato), Nerissa Antolihao (Budlaan) Zenaida Colina (Bacayan), Manny Pepito (Mabini), Casimiro Pilones (Paril), and Winefredo Macario (Sudlon II) Tabunan.  They were joined by Councilmen Nerio Pador (Tabunan) and Reynante Bacarisas (Babag).

The said barangay officials, together with 15 barangay captains allied with Team Rama who manifested support for Mayor Michael Rama to dispose of portions of the South Road Properties. 

Proceeds of the intended sale would be utilized for the construction of the Cebu City Medical Center, traffic system upgrade,  road rehabilitation, drainage system  improvement, financial assistance, and prioritization of  infrastructure  projects  in  the  mountain barangays  of the city. 

For his part, Rama told The FREEMAN that he was delighted with the development.

“I am delighted and their support is well-appreciated. I salute them for that. Well, they are very welcome in Team Rama,” Rama said.

“Politics is addition and never a subtraction,” he added.

Rama said the seven barangay captains visited his office recently. During the meeting, he “pleaded” for them to support all the administration’s projects “for the betterment of our constituency.”

He is also asking the rest of the BOPK-allied barangay captains and councilmen to support the projects and programs of the city.

“They (barangay captains) will decide (whether to change political affiliation or not). This will be seen when the final countdown will come in the forthcoming elections,” he said. (FREEMAN)