Garcia “Open” to run for Mayor: KUSUG bares new members

CEBU, Philippines — With less than a month remaining before the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC), Cebu City’s political landscape is becoming clearer.

The KUSUG (Kugi, Uswag Sugbo) Party, led by Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, has formally introduced yesterday its new members, many of whom were previously affiliated with Partido BARUG.

Despite previously being non-committal about his political future, Garcia has now announced that he is “open” to running for mayor of Cebu City.

This contrasts with the earlier declaration by Mayor Michael Rama, who is currently under preventive suspension, that Garcia would be his running mate in the 2025 midterm elections.

On Monday, September 23, 2024, KUSUG party officials took their oaths at the Golden Prince Hotel, in the presence of the party’s founder and chairman, former Cebu City mayor Atty. Alvin Garcia.

The event, dominated by KUSUG’s signature red color, saw familiar faces from the BARUG political party also dressed in red, symbolizing their official membership in KUSUG.

In the 2022 elections, BARUG was a coalition of three parties: BARUG, led by Rama; KUSUG; and Panaghiusa, headed by Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) Chairman Atty. Jose Daluz III.

Newly introduced members of KUSUG include Councilors Pastor “Jun” Alcover and Rey Gealon. The newly inducted officers are Councilors Joel Garganera (Secretary-General), James Anthony Cuenco (Executive Vice President), Renato “Jun-jun” Osmeña (Vice President for the South District), and Jaypee Labella (Vice President for the North District), all of whom previously ran under the BARUG banner.

Additionally, it was announced that Councilor Jerry Guardo, represented by his brother Jeson Guardo, Barangay Tisa councilman, will also be part of KUSUG as the party’s auditor.

Also in attendance were Barangay Councilor Harold Go, Barangay Bacayan Captain Winston Pepito, and Dr. Marlo Maamo, among others.

During a press conference following the event, Garcia mentioned that he would have another opportunity to officially announce his political intentions.

He declined to specify if he had a vice mayoral candidate in mind, stating that the event was primarily about establishing their political presence.

“We are strengthening our party for the 2025 local elections,” said Garcia.

When asked about the previously declared Rama-Garcia tandem, Garcia responded that “anything is possible,” emphasizing that they were part of a coalition of parties. He hinted that new political alliances are likely to form as they move forward.

However, when asked if the previous coalition was still active, Garcia admitted that they are now “moving in different directions.” He clarified that there had been no formal announcement ending the coalition.

“But karon I think everything is still very fluid as of this moment,” said Garcia.

Garcia also mentioned that formal announcements regarding these matters would be made in the coming days.

Garcia for Mayor?

Although there’s no formal declaration yet, Garcia mentioned that he will need to consult with family members and other leaders before deciding if he will be the standard bearer of KUSUG. He did, however, admit that the newly elected officers of KUSUG have been encouraging him to run for mayor.

“Yes, I am open because anything is possible,” Garcia said when asked if he is considering a mayoral run.

Garcia also noted the possibility of his running mate coming from another political party, adding that they are currently in discussions with other parties for a potential alliance.

Previously, both Garcia and Daluz of PANAGHIUSA were seen at the launch of “Cebu Now na,” a socio-political movement addressing current issues in Cebu City. This event sparked speculation about their potential tandem, although no direct confirmation has been made.

Garcia also stated that if they make a formal announcement, their political lineup will include candidates for all positions, from councilors to district representatives in both the North and South districts.

Incumbent councilors chose KUSUG over BARUG

While many KUSUG members were formerly with BARUG, Garcia said he couldn’t speak for their decisions, noting that their “conviction” speaks for itself.

Cuenco, who had previously announced his intent to retire from politics due to health reasons, said it was a “no-brainer” for him to sever ties with BARUG and align with KUSUG.

“The contrast in terms of running the city and managing the affairs of city hall and delivering the long-sought service to our constituents is very very much different from the time of Suspended mayor (Rama) until now that I saw our action mayor has done to the city and people I could see, the difference is light and day,” said Cuenco.

Alcover added that it wasn’t them who left Rama, but rather Rama who declared himself an “independent mayor,” which left them confused.

Osmeña stated that their shared vision with Garcia influenced their decision to join KUSUG. He noted that Garcia's diplomatic approach sits well with them.

Gealon, previously a close ally of Rama, expressed his belief that Cebuano needs a leader like Garcia who "walks the talk."

Labella echoed this sentiment, praising Garcia as a leader who listens and mentioning their effective collaboration in the council.

Garganera, a two-decade member of the KUSUG party, reaffirmed his commitment, emphasizing their shared direction.

Rama reacts

In a separate interview yesterday, Rama told reporters that he is not the type to just "leave." He declined to comment further, suggesting that the councilors should file their COCs.

“Let them file their certificate of candidacy then we will see it scattered. Sa binisaya pa, atong tan-awon ang katag,” said Rama.

When asked about Garcia's openness to run for mayor, Rama also refrained from commenting on whether their tandem is still intact.

“Kanang open pa ba ang tandem, dili lang tingali sa ta mag istorya ana uy…unya ayaw lang sa pabiliba nga they are the great pretenders,” said Rama.

Regarding allegations that he was invited to run for senator under PDP Laban, Rama stated that he had already "refused" the offer but did not confirm if he was indeed invited.

“Ako na ng gibalibaran didto sa babaw uy, kay ang akong pusod ug akong kasing kasing, alimpatakan, gamiton pa ni nato, Partido BARUG, PDP, sa kaayohan sa Sugbo, mao ni akong direksyon,” said Rama.

It was reported that Rama would be introducing the Partido BARUG lineup for the 2025 polls at Casino Español today. — (FREEMAN)