Lapu-Lapu’s Radaza gives way to daughter

The biggest surprise in a politically charged day for declaring candidacies in Cebu came from Lapu-Lapu Rep. Arturo Radaza, who showed up in crutches.

In a 2 p.m. press conference in the office of his wife, Mayor Paz Radaza, the first-term congressman announced that he was not seeking reelection for health reasons.

He then introduced their 28-year-old daughter Aileen as the candidate.

Aileen Corro Radaza, manages the family’s various business enterprises and served a term as a barangay councilor of Mactan.

The congressman was vague about his health condition, which has usually been explained by staff as an old motorcyle accident, and by critics as a debilitating disease.

“Wala man ko gikapoy sa akong trabaho pero gusto lang ko nga mo-focus sa akong therapy,” Radaza said. (I’m not tired of my work, but I want to focus on my therapy.)

He did not elaborate.

In her response, Aileen said she would continue her father’s work.

“Whatever Daddy started, I will continue it and give even more service to the people,” she said in Cebuano.

Aileen has usually stayed out of the political limelight but her parents said the decision to field her was made by the family a long time ago but was only announced now.

“Aileen is even better because she’s young and know new ways to run the district,” said her congressman father in Cebuano.

At present, Aileen is managing their family’s businesses in furniture export, a pet shop and other activities.

She graduated from the University of San Carlos with a degree in Business Administration and pursued finished a Project Management Course in the University of Berkeley in California.

Her mother, Mayor Radaza said their daughter’s candidacy was an asset for the district as she may bring in new ideas of development.

Mayor Radaza, Aileen, Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong and their City Council slate filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) about 3 p.m.

They were greeted by supporters waving flaglets and fire crackers when they emerged from the City Hall onto the Comelec.

A Mass was held at the lobby of City Hal attended by all candidates and city employees.

Meanwhile, businessman Efrain Pelaez filed his COC for Mayor yesterday morning together with his Vice Mayor candidate Reynaldo Berdin, a retired military general and Angel Rodriguez, a former barangay Captain of Punta Engano is running for congressman.

A 21-year old Cebu Doctor’s College student also filed her COC running for Mayor last Thursday afternoon. Carina Virginia Cabahug filed her COC for mayor, Nino Luis Jamili filed his candidacy for vice mayor. Both filed as independent candidates.