Bucao eyes mayoral post, severs ties with Gullases

CEBU, Philippines — Incumbent Talisay City, Cebu Vice Mayor Alan Bucao has broken its alliance with the Gullases as he seeks to take control of City Hall.

Bucao is running against current Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas’ wife, Rhea, in the 2022 elections.

Bucao bolted out of Alayon after 32 years to “stand up” for the rest of the Talisaynons, he said.

In an interview, Bucao said he had been promised by the Gullases to be fielded as mayor, but did not happen.

However, more than personal ambitions, Bucao said he decided to run as mayor due to the clamor of the rest of the Talisaynons to defend on their behalf, saying, “Talisay is for the Talisaynons.”

Samsam’s wife, Rhea, is not a native of Talisay.

Bucao’s wife, Marietta, did not run this time to show that “they are not after power, but are all for the welfare of the Talisaynons.”

Bucao formed his own team with Rico Almaria as his running mate.

Bucao bared his lineup of candidates for the council seats. It includes Bernard Odilao, Rogerico Lopernes, Clifford Delos Reyes, Aldin Diaz, Iñaki Jordana, Lina Libres, Jarred Cabilte, Ellen Lastimosa, and Gilbert Dela Cerna.

Bucao though did not question Rhea’s capabilities, but the latter received some bashings from some Talisaynons and netizens accordingly that left her no choice but to answer via social media.

“This was not an easy decision to make. But I am glad naabot na jud ta aning puntoha. Daghang istorya na nanggawas bahin sa akong pagdagan, ug daghan sad ang nangutana unsa ma’y akong mabuhat nga ako, asawa RA KUNO sa mayor, stay-at-home mom RA man KUNO ko. Wala man KUNO koy alam.”

“Today, I am filing my candidacy for the mayoral seat sa Talisay City because I believe these qualities--nga giingon sa uban nga akong “weakness”--will help me become a loving mother and a suitable leader ining atong pinalanggang siyudad,” said Rhea.

Rhea added that if there is anything that motherhood has taught her, “it prepared me for everything in life as well as to be patient, selfless, and kind.”

“Kibaw ko akong kasingkasing naa sa sakto na lugar. Hugot akong pagtuo nga ang tanang nakat-on nako sa akong pagka inahan, mao ang makatabang nako to become an effective mayor. As I always say: if I become a Mayor, it will be Aksyon Agad with a woman’s and a mother’s touch,” added Rhea.

Mayor Samsam will be running for Congress after his grandfather, Eduardo Gullas, has decided already to retire from politics.

Aside from Rhea, Samsam’s brother, Eduardo “Digul” Gullas, is also gunning for a seat in the City Council.

Rhea Gullas’ running mate is Richard Francis “Choy” Aznar. Her entire city council slate includes incumbents Gail Restauro, Maning Cabriana, Fe Ylanan, Rodi Cabigas, Ferdie Rabaya, and Lester Daan along with Lito Bacaltos, Rocky Bas, and Danny Caballero. — Gabriel Bonjoc, KQD (FREEMAN)