UNA rally in Cebu on Friday

CEBU, Philippines - The United National Alliance (UNA) is set to launch its regional coalition this Friday at the Cebu Coalition.

No less than Vice President Jejomar Binay will lead the launch with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and other local officials.

Daluz said the event will be the official presentation of UNA leaders from all over the region. Local leaders will start the presentation from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., which will then be followed by the presentation by national leaders from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lawyer Jose Daluz of the UNA-7 secretariat said Rama will be presented officially as the party’s regional coordinator.

Daluz said among the local officials who will attend the launch include Cebu Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, former Siquijor Governor Orlando “Shane” Fua, Jr., former Danao, Bohol mayor Luis Thomas Gonzaga.

Daluz said UNA will also name at least four senatorial candidates for next year’s elections.

The Philippine Star has reported that UNA has chosen Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan as Binay’s runningmate. Honasan and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. were reportedly the ones Binay considered running with.

Meanwhile, Rama said, “until it is officially proclaim, it is still haka-haka.”

Less than a month ago, the same venue was used by the Liberal Party in its “gathering of friends” wherein national and local leaders of the party showed support of the proclamation of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas as the standard bearer.

Just yesterday, Liberal Party proclaimed Camarines Sur Representative Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo as Roxas’ running mate for 2016 elections.

Last October 1, the political tandem of Senator Grace Poe and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero also visited Cebu and spoke with local leaders.

Cebu is vote-rich with at least 2 million registered voters.  (FREEMAN)