Lollipop Ouano joins local LP fold

MANDAUE City Councilors Emmarie Ouano-Dizon and Editha Cabahug officially joined the Liberal Party from Lakas-Kampi yesterday in an oath-taking ceremony administered by Mayor Jonas Cortes.

“I have long been wanting to unite the big political personalities here in Mandaue to be able to move forward to where we are heading,” Cortes said.

Cortes added that the entry of Ouano-Dizon and Cabahug strengthens his party and he expects more to join the LP soon.

Cabahug said she saw Mayor Cortes’s diligence and commitment to public service.

Ouano-Dizon for her part was happy with the developments that the Ouanos and the Corteses, who had been on opposing camps in the past elections, have finally decided to unite.

The move has the blessing of the Ouano-Dizon patriarch and former Mandaue City mayor Alfredo “Pedong” Ouano.

A few weeks ago, Pedong with his children personally discussed with Cortes their political plans and their decision to support his administration and reelection bid next year.

All the barangay captains also welcome this development.

Cortes said they are strengthening LP by convincing other parties to join them starting at the local level going up to the national level.

He denied reports that he is leaving LP and the fact that he officiated the oath-taking of Ouano-Dizon and Cabahug is one proof.

He sees the possibility that PB member Thadeo “Teddy” Ouano will join his party although Cortes assures his support for the board member should he choose to stay with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s One Cebu Party. Corresapondent Norman V. Mendoza