Both seen in “Cebu Now Na!” launch: Garcia-Daluz tandem?

CEBU, Philippines — Was the launching of the “Cebu Now Na!” movement the other night an indication of Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s and Atty. Jose “Joey” Daluz, III’s political tandem in Cebu City?

This surfaced after both men, along with Basak Pardo Barangay Captain Dave Tumulak, who was also rumored to be Daluz’ “vice mayor”, were seen together during the said activity.

“It’s a sort of a soft launching of the Garcia-Daluz tandem. Yeah, it will be Garcia-Daluz tandem,” said a reliable source, who is close to both but opted not to be named.

Organizer Mike Quejada said that “Cebu Now Na!” is a socio-political movement that tackles the current pressing issues in Cebu City.

He said it is also an advocacy calling for the youth to take part and to take action, as part of the solution to the problems that the city has been facing for decades already.

“The people here in ‘Cebu Now Na!’ are tired of pabalikbalik na lang nga headlines ug pabalikbalik nga mga saad nga maoy rason nganong pabalikbalik pod ang kalisdanan nga ginaatubang sa atong mga Cebuanos. And that is difficult to see without doing something. Thus, we…encourage our youth to be part of us, for the common good sa atong tanan,” said Quejada.

“Cebu Now Na is a movement with calls for action on different pressing issues. We are simply inclined to support the new crop of leaders, among them is Mayor Raymond Garcia,” he added.

During the movement launching, which feature a concert with bands like Sunkissed Lola, Cookies, and Acel Band, Garcia delivered a short message acknowledging the concerns of the youth, including flooding and indiscriminate throwing of garbage in the city.

Garcia then called Daluz and Tumulak onstage, saying the problems in the city needs everyone’s cooperation and they have to do it together for a better Cebu City, as the actions to address the problems need to be done now.

“Dili masulbad ang problema kung dili magtinabangay ang tanan, ilabi na ang mga batan-on, like you. That’s why we have to do it now. It needs action, action, action, para mausab ang atong siyudad sa Sugbo. We have to share this vision for a better Cebu together. Walay laing makabuhat ani, kitang tanan magtinabangay ta for a better Cebu City,” said Garcia as Daluz, who was beside him, waved to the crowd.

With Daluz reportedly shifting to running for vice mayor, Tumulak would allegedly contest the south district congressional seat, with incumbent Congressman Edu Rama and returning Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa as potential opponents.

But when sought for comment yesterday, Tumulak said, “Gi-invite lang ko to attend. But wala man siya maghisgot personally nako urging me to run for Congress”.

Tumulak said he has no formal offer yet to run for congress, saying, “Mga supporters lang nila dunay sulti sulti gahapon”.

Prior to the concert, The Freeman tried to ask Garcia and Daluz if they are now a tandem, but both just smiled and gave no categorical answers.

They were, however, busy shaking the hands of those present inside the restaurant where they temporarily stayed while waiting for the concert to start.

A city councilor said that a Garcia-Daluz tandem is a good move for a unified Cebu City.

“Mas maayo magkahiusa silang duha. Kay kung si Joey modagan siya og mayor unya modagan pud si Raymond, among nakita nga mas maayo mag-unite sila. Also, Joey will not run for mayor, should Raymond run for mayor. So, mao na ni ron, nagkuyog silang duha,” he said.

Another city councilor said that he is already a part of the line-up of the Garcia-Daluz tandem in the 2025 elections.

Those widely seen to be part of Garcia’s political lineup are City Councilors Pastor “Jun” Alcover, Jaypee Labella, Renato “Junjun” Osmeña, and Rey Gealon. City Councilors Jerry Guardo and Joel Garganera are already on their third and last terms of office.

The Freeman also texted Garcia and Daluz for further clarification, but there was no reply from them yet as of press time. — /RHM (FREEMAN)