If you ask him why he changed parties, 6th district Rep. Luigi Quisumbing would point to President Benigno Aquino III.
In a press conference a day after being sworn in to the Liberal Party, Quisumbing said he finds Aquino’s vision of a “Matuwid na Daan” (a straight path) helpful to the people, especially Cebu and the 6th district.
“His programs are helping millions of Filipinos and I’m committing myself to the president’s vision and programs,” Quisumbing said.
“President Aquino won an overwhelming mandate in Cebu (in 2010) and for the second half of his administration we can see better light.”
The lawmaker confirmed that a week before taking his oath in Quezon City, he told Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, president of the One Cebu party, of his decision.
Governor Garcia had just announced her joining the Senate lineup of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.
Asked if he would support Garcia’s Senate bid, Quisumbing said Cebu needs more representatives in the Senate aside from the lone Cebuano in the Upper House, Sen. Serge Osmeña.
“Cebu being a premier province needs more seats and a stronger voice in the Senate,” said Quisumbing.
The first-term congressman said he saw no problem in entering LP because he has rapport with LP mayors in his district, which covers Mandaue City and towns of Cordova and Consolacion.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy and Consolacion Mayor Teresita Alegado are members of the administration party.
Mandaue City Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede said Quisumbing’s entry in the party consolidates LP’s stake in the district.
“We are all united now. We are just waiting for Provincial Board Member Teddy Ouano,” said Bercede, referring to the former Mandaue City mayor.
Ouano’s daughter Lollipop Dizon-Ouano recently joined the LP although her father is with One Cebu.
Bercede said that with unity, they can expect better coordination of projects in Mandaue City.