CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is still Partido Panaghiusa’s bet for mayor in the 2022 elections.
Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) chairman and Panaghiusa President Jose Daluz III made the clarification following the rumors that their party will be supporting Councilor David Tumulak.
“We reiterate that we are committed to the coalition Barug, Kusug, then Panaghiusa nga ang atong common candidate for mayor si Mike Rama,” said Daluz.
Although they are supporting two other candidates for councilor in the south district, Daluz said the coalition has no problem with it.
“Wala problema except kahibawo naman mo na diay duha ka kandidato sa Panaghiusa nga atong gisuportaan, so we will leave that to the people to choose. Basta sa Panaghiusa coalition, complete slate except sa duha nga among gisuportahan,” he said.
Instead of Councilors Phillip Zafra and Donaldo Hontiveros, who are both seeking reelection, Panaghiusa is backing Gikom Crystal and Sim Romarate.
Daluz also confirmed that their president and vice president are Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, respectively.
“Sa Panaghiusa, amo nang nasabotan in principle, we are aligned with Isko Moreno. Although niingon mi sa coalition nga we will have to talk about it because kami, going to the table of negotiation sa atong coalition, we are bringing Isko and Inday Sara,” said Daluz.
Rama earlier said that his political party, Barug-PDP-Laban, is yet to announce the presidential candidate they will support.
The mayor has been very clear on his position that Barug will support whoever President Rodrigo Duterte will anoint.
Daluz and former city administrator Floro Casas, Jr. took their oath yesterday as the president and the new chairman of the board of Partido Panaghiusa, respectively.
Casas said they will honor the coalition agreement with Barug and Kusug.
“Ang Panaghiusa naa naman siyay established nga principles. We will abide by that… We will honor our coalition agreement with Barug and Kusug,” he said.
When asked about the “big announcement” he mentioned during his eulogy for the late mayor Edgardo Labella, Casas said that he will disclose it at the right time.
“Paabot lang sa ta gamay,” he said. — FPL (FREEMAN)