CEBU, Philippines — Although declaring themselves as “independent,” acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and Councilor Philip Zafra said it does not mean that they are now with the opposition.
“By being independent it does not necessarily follow that we are in the opposition. So, independent mi’g baruganan,” said Zafra who also spoke on behalf of Hontiveros.
Zafra said both of them are only after the welfare and development of the city.
“Bisan si kinsa diha..Mao man ni atong gipanumpaan, mag-uban ta para sa kalambuan sa Dakbayan sa Sugbo, sa kaayuhan sama sa nasugdan nga kausaban,” said Zafra.
Both Hontiveros and Zafra will remain independent accordingly and will continue to serve the people of Cebu City.
“But we would like to ensure to you that we remain, both of us, as an independent and we are here to adhere to our pledge to the people…nga moserbisyo,” added Zafra.
However, both councilors have also expressed support for the candidacy of acting Mayor Michael Rama for mayor.
“We will be supporting acting Mayor Mike Rama even in his desire to seek the mayorship of the City of Cebu,” revealed Zafra to the delight of the acting mayor.
Rama, for his part, said though Hontiveros and Zafra had declared as independent, they remain together as a “family of public servants.”
“Kanus-a man ni wa nagkauban? Maski kanus-a, wala man gyud mi nagkalayo. Independent sila…they will be.. but they will be part of the group that will serve the City as one family of servants,” said Rama.
Rama will be filing his certificate of candidacy most likely on October 8 yet.
Rama has not yet revealed his full slate, except for his running mate, Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia.
He, however, was slipped when he mentioned Councilor Edu Rama as a congressional bet for the South District while answering another question from the media. — GMR (FREEMAN)