Everybody thrilled as ABC elections in Talisay approach

CEBU, Philippines - A hotly contested Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) election for president is seen next month as the Liberal Party of Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and the homegrown Alayon of former first district representative Eduardo Gullas both claim to have the majority of support from barangay captains. 

Councilor Dennis Basillote, who recently left Alayon and joined the administration, said the Gullas group cannot yet claim victory since there are barangay captains who claim to be with Alayon but pledges to support for LP’s candidate. 

The winner in the ABC election will sit as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

The SP is dominated by Gullas’s allies.

LP will field barangay Linao captain Ofelia Ylanan, the wife of Talisay City Councilor Valeriano Ylanan, while Alayon will field Raul Cabañero of Bulacao.

Ylanan is a second-termer while Cabañero is on his third and last term. 

The Alayon group captured an overwhelming majority in the last barangay elections, with 18 out of 22 candidates.

Basillote dismissed Alayon’s claim it has 18 barangay captains on its side.

He, however, declined to name alleged supporters from Alayon adding that he prefers to keep his cards close to his chest.  (FREEMAN)