Ouano takes oath; Liberal Party takes 6th

THE Liberal Party strengthened its foothold in the 6th district with yesterday’s oath-taking of Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, former mayor of Mandaue.

Another forthcoming addition to the LP is the daughter of PB Member Arleigh Sitoy, Leighna Katrina Sitoy- Abarquez, who will be running for mayor in Cordova town.

This was announced by LP provincial chairman and gubernatorial aspirant Hilario “Jun-Jun” Davide III, who administered the oath at the office of 6th district Rep. Luis Gabriel Quisumbing in the Norkis Clubhouse in Mandaue City.

Ouano left the One Cebu party of Gov. Gwen Garcia, a decision he earlier said was prompted by his family’s clamor to be united under one party.

Quisumbing , who joined the LP in May this year after leaving One Cebu, said he was glad that most leaders in the 6th district are now united.

He said this will allow them to push for a “unified agenda” that will benefit constituents.

It was during Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes’ birthday last July 20 when Davide announced Ouano’s defection.

“Panahon na gyud ni nga ang damgo sa akong amahan ug sa akong anak nga Lolliop nga mahatagan og katumanan nga magkahiusa mi ug partido.” Said Ouano.

The oathtaking was itnessed by Ouano patriach  former Mandaue city Mayor Alfredo “Pedong” Ouano, her  daughter Mandaue city councilor Emmarie “Lolypop Ouano-Dizon, Consolacion municipal councilor Alfie Ouano, Mayor Cortes, Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado, Quisumbing, PB Member Arleigh Sitoy, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and some city councilors of Mandaue City.

In a separate interview, Davide said said many have sent feelers desiring to shift to the party of President Aquino but he only announced Sitoy’s yesterday.

PB Member Member Sitoy said his daughter will be running for mayor of Cordova,  taking the place of his father Mayor Adelino Sitoy who would return to his private law practice.

Sitoy said his daughter and the council slate of the present administration of his father would take their oath next week.

Mayor Sitoy hasn’t confirmed the plan yet but said the family is talking about the arrangements.

“Ako ra man gyud pod ang mihangyo sa akong amahan sa una nga modagan pagka-mayor sa dihang nakadesisyon ko nga mo-level –up (referring his PB post)” PB Sitoy said.

He said in a jest that his father could focus on filing a perjury case against boxing promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, who has relocated to Cordova with plans to run for mayor next year. His residency qualification is being questioned.

“It look like he’s fooling people in Cordova if he insists he’s a resident. I hope Salud will be reasonable and not pretend that he is a resident of our place” Sitoy said. /Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza