CEBU, Philippines — Candidates running under Barug PDP-Laban in Cebu City filed their certificates of candidacy on the last day of filing on Friday, October 8, 2021, three days after they were presented formally at an event that was marred by controversy when attendees failed to observe physical distancing.
“Having filed our Certificates of Candidacy earlier today now leads us towards the base we have laid on the table, start to shape and define our platform and strengthen our organization down the ground,” said Barug’s standard-bearer, Acting Mayor Michael Rama.
If Rama wins again, among his top priority will be the implementation of the city’s comprehensive drainage program and the continuation of programs of outgoing Mayor Edgardo Labella.
Labella has just filed an indefinite leave to focus on his health.
“Up ahead, as we return as elected mayor come June 30, 2022, our thrust shall be, among others, to continue what has been instituted by our Mayor Edgardo Labella and bring in and enhance innovative programs, especially with regards to the ENVIRONMENT, including drainage we had long wanted to realize before our previous second term as Mayor got concluded,” Rama said.
“As Mayor in 2015, we managed to get the approval of the Cebu City Council at that time to allocate P1.5 billion in the budget for 2016 to implement a comprehensive drainage program. We will pursue that with DPWH that had already designed it for the city,” he added.
Rama is running with Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia as vice mayor.
Barug’s candidates went to the Comelec office by batch in filing their respective COCs.
First to file was Councilor Joel Garganera at around 8 a.m. who is seeking reelection as councilor in the North District. He said he went early also because he had other commitments with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which he heads.
The other Barug candidates started arriving at around 10 a.m., including Councilor Prisca Niña Mabatid who is running for representative of the North District and Councilor Eduardo Rama, Jr. who is running for representative of the South District.
Aside from Garganera, the group’s candidates for councilor for the North District are Peter Mancao, Pastor “Jun” Alcover, Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella II, Maria Pino, Noel Wenceslao, Melvin Legaspi, and incumbent Councilor Jerry Guardo.
For the South District are Francis Esparis, Jocelyn Pesquera, Harry Eran, Rey Gealon, and incumbent councilors Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros, Phillip Zafra, James Anthony Cuenco, and Renato “Jun-Jun” Osmeña, Jr.
Both Hontiveros and Zafra are Barug’s guest candidates who earlier declared they would run independently.
Rama arrived at the Comelec office at around 11 a.m.
Sought for comment on Councilor David Tumulak’s decision to run for mayor, Rama said it is his right.
“I do not have to say anything. It’s just an operation of democracy. That’s it. Anyone can run,” Rama said.
Tumulak filed his COC on October 7, confirming also that he would run independently.
Garcia shared Rama’s sentiment but admitted such move was “unexpected.”
“Although, kahibawo man ta nga last term na niya, so that is his right og unsay iyang daganan. We will respect it,” he said.
Comelec data showed there are eight mayoralty aspirants in the city: Rama; Tumulak; former Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña of Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK); Jose Carmelotes Layon of REPORMA; Michael Matañoza of Abag- PROMDI; and independent candidates Edgar Viola Concha, Juanito Bombase Luna, and Crisologo Saavedra.
Meanwhile, there are three vice mayoralty aspirants: Garcia, Association of Barangay Councils President Franklyn Ong of BOPK, and Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez under the Liberal Party.
Facing in the North District for Congress are Mabatid, Richard Yap of NUP, Rachel “Cutie” Delmar of BOPK, Avenescio Piramide of CMD, and independent candidate Manuel Momongan.
In the south, Rama is against former mayor Tomas Osmeña of BOPK and Michael Bantasan of NUP.
Twenty candidates are running for councilor for the North District: Eight are from Barug and BOPK candidates Lea Japson, Joy Augustus Young, Alvin Dizon, Sisinio Andales, Arturo Regis Barrit, Alvin Arcilla, Mary Ann Delos Santos, and Nestor Archival.
Other candidates are Gian Aznar, Winston Condrillon Pepito, Edwin Robles Jagmoc, Reynald Lauron, Roland Empleo, and Emmanuel Labella.
Aspirants for Council for the South District are eight from Barug and BOPK candidates Raul Alcoseba, Ana Gabriela Beatriz Osmeña, Roberto Cabarrubias, Omar Kintanar, Josephine Abella Maglasang, Cornelio Jaca, Gremar Barete, and Clifford Niñal.
Other candidates are Janet Calleno, Alejandro Cabido, Samuel Panilagao, Simeon Romarate, Raymundo Crystal, and Alan Dinampo. – JMO (FREEMAN)