Lapu-Lapu Liberals push ‘united stand’ against Radazas

FOR the second time, businessman Efrain Pelaez Jr. is going up against the Radaza family’s political dominance in Lapu-Lapu City, where is running for mayor.

Pelaez yesterday presented  his Liberal Party (LP) lineup as a “united opposition.”

In a press conference in the Pelaez ancestral home   in Cebu City, he presented six councilors from his 2010 slate and six councilors from the former Sukol Party (Sugpoon ang Korapsyon sa Lapu-Lapu).

Jerry Cosep, one of the councilors, said they are the heart of the group that was formerly with Junard “Ahong” Chan. Chan  reunited with the Radazas last month.

Pelaez told reporters that Chan’s role was “to break the opposition.”

Rep. Arturo Radaza presented his 28-year-old daughter Aileen on Friday  as the family’s candidate for his position to represent the lone district of Lapu-Lapu.

The LP is fielded  Angel Rodriguez against her.Rodriguez  told reporters the Radazas  remain a  force to be reckoned with in Lapu-Lapu City.  He said they will “take out”  perceived  allies of the Radazas and ask for the replacement of incumbent officials in the PNP, Comelec and Department of Education (DepEd) city office.

“We are reminding the people of Lapu-Lapu not to be confused with their razzle dazzle,” said Pelaez  about the Radazas.

Pelaez will face Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza anew following his loss to her in the 2010 elections.  His running mate is retired general Rey Berdin of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).  Correspondent Carmel Matus