Samar politics merge two opposing groups

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the “controversial agreement” that seemingly merged the previously opposing camps in Catbalogan City, a mixture of dominant yellow- and red-shirted people marched the city streets to show their common support to the ?#ýStepArt2016? team.

Sixty-eight barangay captains showed up and stood for Catbalogan City’s team, led by incumbent Mayor Stephanie Uy Tan and Vice Mayor Art Gabon, who together with their slate, were wearing orange shirts.

The StepArt bets for councilors were: Max Pescos, Bembot Bermejo, Jeffrey Uy, Renante Aquino, Tekwa Uy, Tintin Escober, Nanette Sabenecio, Kendall Perez and Melanie Macabare.

Mayor Tan said: “Don’t judge until you know the real story (of the mixed-colored shirts). We will issue a statement relative to this,” in answer to media questions regarding the Rainbow Coalition, which was visibly going against the Yellow Ribbons.

Of the 16 towns comprising Samar’s 2nd district, only two towns (Hinabangan and Zumarraga) remained with the LP, and Catbalogan City was the last to bolt out on Thursday last week, following a series of exodus of members from the administration party, four days before the COC filing week.

By yesterday afternoon, Mayor Tan had an opponent, Provincial Board Member Von Zosa, while Vice Mayor Gabon’s opponent will be Councilor Myla Cinco, a sister of international designer Michael Cinco. Zosa and Cinco are running under the LP.

For Samar province, incumbent Gov. Sharee Ann Tan Delos Santos is running for re-election against retired Colonel Emil Soza, the husband of the incumbent mayor of Sta. Margarita town in Samar. —Rommel L. Rutor (FREEMAN)