Edgar's men support Tumulak

CEBU, Philippines —  Some of the supporters and appointees of the late Cebu City mayor Edgardo Labella have reportedly sent feelers to support Councilor David Tumulak for mayor in the 2022 elections.

Jundel Bontuyan who Labella appointed as manager of the Cebu City Sports Center and the City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicine Program (CHAMP) is now campaigning for Tumulak.

He started working for the councilor after newly installed Mayor Michael Rama announced that all coterminous employees need not report to work anymore. He said, however, that those hired during Labella’s administration may be rehired after evaluation.

Bontuyan, in an interview with The Freeman said, said that while he is a “party man,” identifying himself as a supporter of Team Rama and Partido Barug-PDP Laban, he also has to be practical.

Bontuyan disclosed that Tumulak offered him a position in the latter’s office, which he could not refuse.

“Lisod man gud pud og mag-hope ko unya ang akong gitan-aw ang security nako within six months. Okay naman ko, whatever the result in 2022, okay na ko in six months… makapangita na ko’g asa ko after. Frankly speaking, kining akoa, survival gyud ni kay naa koy anak ug bag-o pa nagsakit akong mama pud,” Bontuyan said.

Since he has already started working under Tumulak, Bontuyan said it is just right that he also supports his candidacy for mayor.

“Lain pud kaayo kung di ko mu-support niya… nga naa naman ko niya,” Bontuyan said.

Bontuyan said that after he made his choice public on social media, other appointees and supporters of Labella have also expressed support for Tumulak.

 “After ko nag-post, naay mga nag-pm (private message)... naa gani’y mga trabahante diha sa City Hall, naa gyud gani sa circle ni mayor, nisulti gyud sila kay, anyway, di man makita inig election,” Bontuyan said.

He refused to name these employees as they are reportedly afraid to lose their jobs. Others also want to return to City Hall.

“Naa puy ubay-ubay misunod nako, pero daku-dako pa gyud nuon ning trabahoon,” Bontuyan said.

Bontuyan also disclosed that he and councilor Tumulak are hoping to get the support of the group of former city administrator Floro Casas, Jr.

Casas was named earlier as new chairman of Partido Panaghiusa.

Interestly, a Facebook page said to be that of Casas only posted something about councilor Raymond Garcia who is running for vice mayor; former city attorney Rey Gealon who is running as councilor; and Panaghiusa’s bets for councilor, Gikom Crystal and Sim Romarate.

The same page also reported on Bontuyan’s transfer of support to Tumulak with a caption read, “We fully support your decision, Klok, Jundel Bontuyan! Ang imong appointment nagpamatuod nga bisan pa man daug-daugon tang mga tawo & supporters ni Mayor Edgar Colina Labella, makabangon ra gihapon ta with his (Edlab) guidance.”

This came with the hashtags “WalaNayLainDiha? #EdLabForever.

Labella passed away on November 19 due to septic shock secondary to pneumonia.

During the necrological service for Labella organized by the city government, Casas said he would be announcing something big.

Casas and Labella’s family also made mention of Tumulak for the latter’s support for the late mayor and for going the extra mile for Labella’s wake and burial.

Some of Labella’s supporters have also expressed support to Tumulak on social media.

Over the weekend, Tumulak posted a picture of him visiting Labella at the cemetery.

In an interview, he did not confirm or deny getting the support of Labella’s followers but said he would all welcome them if that is the case.

“Ako gyud ng ikalipay og maayo… Ug akong ipasalig nga muhatag gyud ta og maayong serbisyo. Ipadayon nako ang mga nasugdan ni Mayor Labella,”” Tumulak said.

Tumulak ran for councilor under Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) in the 2019 elections. He is running as an independent in the 2022 polls. — Sanden J. Anadia, JMO (FREEMAN)