Without a nomination by the Liberal Party, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama may have to join PDP-Laban as an “adopted” candidate.
This option, according to former congressman Antonio Cuenco, has been agreed with Rama as the mayor wants to retain his membership with the administration party.
“Mike is still hoping that he will get the official nomination of LP,” said Cuenco.
Cuenco, Councilor Jose Daluz III and his son, James Cuenco were at the Makati City residence of PDP-Laban national Secretary General Jose Peping Cojuangco last Thursday where they took their oath as party members.
Cojaungco designated Cuenco as secretary ceneral for Central Visayas. Daluz was named secretary general for Cebu City. Cuenco’s son, James, is PDP-Laban Cebu City chairman.
Cuenco said Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia who earlier took her oath with PDP Laban is the party’s provincial chairperson.
Last Monday, talent manager Annabelle Rama and Lahug councilor Mary Ann delos Santos took their oath before former president Joseph Estrada head of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino.
PDP-Laban and PMP have joined forces to form the United Nationalist Alliance with Vice President Jejomar Binay as its head.
Mayor Rama confirmed that he was in Manila last Thursday to attend to some concerns, but refused to elaborate.
He said he also discussed with the two Cuencos and Daluz “all possibilities (that may happen) towards the deadline for the filing of COCs.”
Rama said LP national president Manuel Roxas has not yet responded to his letter requesting a certificate of nomination from LP.
He said he was never a traitor to the national party.
“Waiting is a virtue,” he said.
Mayor Rama said he would not even mind if his Team Rama candidates have different national party alliances.
“The whole political movement has become halo-halo (a mixture). It’s like a buffet. Everything is so magulo (confusing),” he said.
Cuenco said he, Daluz and James had dinner with Mayor Rama in Manila last Thursday night where Mayor Rama expressed his willingness to be adopted by PDP Laban or UNA.
Team Rama will file their certificates of candidacy on Oct. 5, the last day of the filing deadline, said Cuenco.