Long considered an institution in Cebu politics, Rep. Eduardo Gullas of Cebu’s 1st district was widely expected to win the mayorship of Talisay City with allies in his Alayon Party.
But Gullas who has been in power as congressman, Talisay city’s first mayor, or Cebu governor since 1969, lost by a hairline margin of 730 votes to a small businessman-inventor, Johnny delos Reyes.
Reyes was defeated twice before by Gullas‘ handpicked successor in the 2007 and 2010 elections.
What did Gullas in was apparently a groundswell of resentment of vendors and tricycle drivers who opposed the closure of the old Tabunok market two years ago and their transfer to a new one in Lagtang.
Although Gullas had the Tabunok market reopened in the last stage of his campaign, the move came too late.
De los Reyes largely credits the support of market vendors and tricycle drivers whose livelihood were disrupted for the unexpected victory.
Gullas conceded defeat yesterday soon after the results were wrapped up.
“In my long political career, I won in all elections except this last one. Forever I shall remember and be grateful to the electorate of the province as well as of the first district. Against the advice of my lawyers and loyal supporters, I humbly concede to my worthy opponent. May God bless us all, particularly the good people of Talisay,” Gullas said.
His grandson Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, a first-time candidate, will take over his congressional seat since he ran unopposed.
Gullas yesterday spent yesterday in his office at the University of the Visayas meeting supporters, lawyers, family members and political allies.
In an 888 news forum this month, delos Reyes described the election as a contest between a “piso versus buwaya” or chick versus a crocodile, emphasizing his lack of resources and political clout.
Delos Reyes’ first invention was to tap Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas to run vehicles. He also concocted medicine drops for mouth sores and a plug-in oxygen breathing device.
He’s also known for his personal charity work and being easily approached at home for various assistance by the poor.
Reyes has run unsucccessfully for different positions in Talisay, including the mayorship and the 1st district congress post.
De los Reyes won the May 13 election with 39,453 votes against Gullas’s 38,717 votes.
Talisay city is the biggest city of the 1st district lying on the other end of the South Coastal Road as a gateway to south Cebu.
Thousands of people in yellow shirts flocked to Talisay City Hall during the proclamation of their new set of leaders yesterday.
De los Reyes’ running mate Romeo Villarante was elected vice mayor with 27,972 votes.
Another grandson of Gullas, Eduardo “Digul” Gullas III, was reelectedcouncilor in the 10th and last spot. He was not present in the proclamation.
“Ako nalipay kaayo ko kay ang pangandoy sa tawo nga kausaban, muabot na gyud (I am really very happy because the dream of the people for change can now be achieved),” de los Reyes said.
He said he would focus on providing jobs and livelihood for city residents.
Three LP bets landed in the Talisay City Council with seven from the Alayon camp.
In a radio interview, defeated vice mayoral candidate Alan Bucao the victors and appealed to them not to fire City Hall workers based on politics. With Correspondents Jhunnex Napallacan, Carmel Loise Matus and Joy Cherry S. Quito