10 mayors join new Zambales party

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. Screengrab from zambalesnow.com website

MANILA, Philippines—At least 10 of 13 mayors in Zambales province  have come forward and joined the newly registered “alternative” political party of incumbent Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

The Sulong Zambales Party (SZP) is the first-ever provincial party in Zambales duly accredited by the Commission on Elections.

In a statement, SZP said it had cemented the support of 10 mayors and majority of the village officials.

Ebdane led the launching of SZP attended by more than 8,000 members from the province’s 13 municipalities at the Zambales gymnasium in Iba.

On Sept. 26, various local officials took their loyalty oath before Ebdane, who is party chair.

His son, Rep. Jun Omar Ebdane, is party president.

Among the other officials of the new party are Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, party secretary, and Candelaria Mayor Jean Morana, treasurer.

The mayors who swore loyalty to SZP include Jose Rodriguez of San Marcelino, Peter Lim of San Narciso, Carolyn Fariñas of San Felipe, Ronald Apostol of Cabangan, Generoso Amog of Palauig, Desiree Edora of Masinloc and Luis Marty of Sta. Cruz.

“The SZP will be known for its people’s programs,” Governor Ebdane said in the statement.

“We are here to bring about development and good governance,” he said.

Ebdane said change is easier to achieve under one local party with the involvement of different and opposing national parties.

“That I have proven under my administration,” the governor said.

Under a local party, officials need not jump from one party to another and can remain with their national parties without sacrificing their work in the provincial level, he said.