Gullas in dilemma after helping LP-NP coalition

Now it can be told.

Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas played a key role in shaping a new alliance between the Liberal Party and the Nacionalista Party headed by Sen. Manny Villar.

He helped convince President Aquino to consider forming a coalition. Talks continue on the national level.

President Aquino thanked Gullas for his role in a private meeting last Saturday in Cebu when the President arrived at the Mactan airport before heading to Danao City for the birthday of Danao Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano.

This was confirmed by grandson Gerard Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, who accompanied the congressman in meeting President Aquino in a function room at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

But Samsam, who will run for congress in the 1st district of his grandfather, said the situation also places Gullas in a bind in the Cebu gubernatorial race.
“Papa Eddie is in a dilemma. Nahug nga mo-support ba mi ni Atty. Junjun Davide for governor because of the coalition. But on the other hand, will we support Pablo John (Garcia) for governor because it has been a long standing One Cebu and Alayon coalition?” he said.

“As of the moment, Papa Eddie has not yet decided.”

Samsam said Congressman Gullas will “wisely solve this dilemma in a way that is best for the country, best for Cebu and best for Alayon”.

The private meeting with President Aquino lasted about 20 minutes.

In a phone interview, Samsam told Cebu DAily News that Senator Villar personally asked Congressman Gullas to work out the coalition with NP and LP.

Also present in the meeting at the airport , were LP national chairman Mar Roxas, Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Budget Secretary Butch Abad and Customs head Ruffy Biazon.

“All they did was nagpasalamat ra gyud si President P-Noy. I am personal witness that there wasn’t any mention of the LP and the party line here in Cebu,” he said.

He was referring to the local Alayon party led by Gullas in the 1st district in south Cebu.

Asked if talks have begun for an Alayon-LP coalition in the Cebu election, Samsam refused to comment saying he didn’t want to “preempt” anything.
Meanwhile, LP Cebu chairman and gubernatorial candidate Junjun Davide thanked Provincial Board (PB) Member Wilfredo Caminero for announcing that he would support Davide in the 32013 election.

Davide told CDN he really sought Caminero’s support last year and somehow this is a fulfillment of an old promise.

But Davide said LP has not invited Caminero yet to join the LP and that he would respect the former Argao mayor’s decision.

Davide said he will meet with his runningmate Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale within the week to discuss their campaign plans their provincial slate.

No names were given.

“By this time, there would be regular meetings na… and possibly plan about what we would campaign,” he said.

During the 888 News Forum yesterday, 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, an ally of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s One Cebu party, said he favors a free zone in his district in north Cebu especially that the National Unity Party (NUP) to which he belong has a coalition with the Liberals.

“If a free zone is declared, it’s fine with me… If magkasabot nga wala nay kontrahay, mas maayo na (If we agree not to field candidates against each other, so much the better.)

“But we won’t expect that to happen kay wala na pud lami ang election kung wa kay kontra (elections wouldn’t be exciting without an opponent.)