CEBU, Philippines — Two bets of opposing parties—Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak and basketball hotshot Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros—were among the 23 aspirants who filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections- Cebu City North District office.
Tumulak is seeking reelection, while Hontiveros is running as city councilor in the south district for next year’s midterm elections.
Also, John Edwin Dayondon, 31, a resident of Barangay Sambag 1, filed his COC for city mayor yesterday.
The filing of COC started on October 11 and will end today, October 17.
Dayondon, an independent aspirant, said he wants to get rid of illegal drugs, fraternity, and other lawless acts in the city should he will be elected.
The presence of narco politicians prompted him to seek a higher position, he said.
Aside from ending the proliferation of illegal drugs and other crimes, he said he wants to push for increases in the basic salary of public and private workers.
"Ganahan ko'g taas nga posisyon. First nakong buhaton padak-an nako ang sweldo sa tao nga nagtrabaho sa gobyerno ug nag trabaho og pribado," he said.
Dayondon will run against Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.
On the other hand, Tumulak said the copy of his certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) from his national party, Nacionalista Party (NP), caused the delay of his filing supposedly scheduled last Monday.
“Gikan ko sa UNA. Paglarga nako sa Manila, nakastorya sa mga senador didto og nakahukom ko nga mag NP. Mitoo man ko sa palisiya sa NP nga atong mahinumduman nga mao ning pinaka-una nga political party sa atong nasud nga mao poy nanguna sa pagpangusog sa atong independence,” he told reporters.
Tumulak thanked Osmeña for allowing him to choose for other national party aside from Laban Ng Demokratikong Pilipino, which was chosen by the majority members of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
But Tumulak said he will remain with the local BOPK party.
To recall, Osmeña said BOPK decided to bolt Liberal Party, which rejected the senatorial bid of his brother, Serge Osmeña III, in the May 2016 elections.
For his part, Hontiveros, a resident of Barangay Labangon, will run for public office for the first time under the opposition party, Barug Team Rama PDP-Laban.
Hontiveros was among the finest riflemen ever seen in Philippine basketball. He retired last year from the Philippine Basketball Association.
If elected, he said, he will champion sports and youth development activities in all barangays of the city.
“I really want to give opportunity to the kids for scholarships which I experienced. Also if given the right training with the right people behind you, encouraging you and supporting you all the way, hopefully they will make another player who will make it big sa basketball and other sports as well,” he said.
Last Monday, a certain Alejandro Cabido, an independent aspirant, also filed his COC for city councilor. — KBQ (FREEMAN)