CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama sees no problem within the city’s ruling political alliance despite his perceived personal differences with former city administrator Floro Casas, Jr., the new chairman of Partido Panaghiusa.
Rama’s Partido Barug is in alliance with the recently revived Partido Panaghiusa of the late Nenita “Inday Nita” Daluz and Partido Kusog of Councilor Raymond Garcia.
According to Rama, Panaghiusa’s picking Casas as its new chairman did not surprise him.
“I’ve heard about it before and I knew even with Jun Casas that he will be the one because Edgardo Labella should have been the one supposed to chair Panaghuisa, then me Partido Barug, and Raymond Garcia, Kusog,” said Rama.
Rama said he has not spoken to Casas since the latter’s assumption as chairman of Pananghiusa. He, however, met with the party’s president, Joey Daluz, yesterday. The mayor refused to provide details of what were discussed during their meeting.
Rama said he has also yet to discuss the latest development with Garcia, who is currently on vacation with his family.
Despite Rama’s seeing no potential problem in their alliance, Panaghiusa’s unilateral declaration of support for the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno could be one source of a problem ahead.
Daluz announced his party’s support for Moreno after Senator Bong Go said he will withdraw from the presidential race.
Rama, on the other hand, said he will support whoever will be President Rodrigo Duterte’s anointed candidate.
Both Rama and Daluz, however, agreed to keep their support to vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. — Decemay Padilla, FPL (FREEMAN)