After the announcement that Mayor Michael Rama and Councilor Edgardo Labella will be running mates in the 2013 elections, more barangay captains expressed their support for the two officials.
Former mayor Alvin Garcia who heads the opposition group Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) said he too may support Rama’s reelection.
But Garcia said he would still consult allies about political developments in the city.
“Election is still a year from now so there is no reason to hurry. But I am open to the possibility of fielding Kusug candidates or supporting other candidates in the election,” Garcia told Cebu Daily News.
He said his party will endorse their candidates in due time.
“I also know that some of our leaders have been talking to Mike and Tomas. But at this stage, everything is still very hazy. Dili lang usa nato pugson kay sayo pa sad kaayo,” he said.
(Let’s not force the issue because it’s still early)
Tinago barangay councilor Joel Garganera, a Kusug member, said he will support Rama’s reelection bid.
Sambag 1 barangay captain Jerry Guardo echoed him.
The two attended the awarding ceremonies of the The Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (TOBOY) at the Sinulog Hall of the Rizal Library yesterday.
“Mike deserves another term,” said Garganera.
He said Rama’s administration managed to light city streets, improve damaged roads, beautify the sidewalks for pedestrians to use and tap the private sector in improving police stations and boost the morale of the police.
Garganera also gave credit to Rama for being sensitive to the needs of City Hall employees by giving incentives to motivate them to improve service.
Rama also keeps a harmonious relationship with the provincial government.
Garganera said a Rama-Labella ticket is a “powerful tandem.”
“Both are lawyers and were number one in their districts in the election. Nobody can accuse them of being involved in anomalies,” he said.
Rama and Labella made their first public appearance as a political team during yesterday’s signing of the 93-1 Memorandum of Agreement held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
Also present was Councilor Jose Daluz III, who supports the Rama–Labella tandem.
Mayor Rama in an interview said their presence in the MOA signing was nothing political and that they were invited by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
The three Cebu City officials stood as witnesses to the MOA that Garcia signed with Vice President Jejomar Binay.
With the recent developments, Rama assured barangay captains present in the TOBOY award rites that he will continue to work with them without political color.
“I will never prejudice the people of your barangay simply because you dislike me (as your mayor). I will not make them a victim of political conflict because you don’t love me. I will continue to serve all the barangays in the name of public service and in the name of God,” the mayor said.
Rama called the people who expressed support for his reelection the “wind beneath my wings.”
He said he was also open to the possibility of more BO-PK councilors joining his group.
But Councilors Leah Japson and Roberto Cabarrubias who were rumored to be joining Rama said they they are staying with BO-PK, the party led by Rep. Tomas Osmeña, which Rama cut off ties with in June last year.