Princesa chieftain eyes ABC leadership

PUNTA Princesa barangay captain Jose Navarro has expressed his interest in running for president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) of Cebu City.

Speaking during the 888 News Forum yesterday, Navarro said he wants to revive projects initiated in his previous term as president of the association. Navarro was ABC president and ex officio member of the City Council from 1997 to 2002, during the administration of mayor Alvin Garcia

“I was called by Joey Daluz last (Monday) night to tell me that I should start campaigning,” he said during the forum.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama earlier said that Team Rama wants a bet who is experienced and “able to take a stand and defend it.” Being ABC president gets the captain a seat in the City Council as an ex-officio member. The post is currently held by T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Ralota who is allied with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).

Navarro’s declaration may expose some kinks in the Team Rama camp as he is not included in the list of barangay Basak San Nicolas chief George Rama, the influential and outspoken cousin of the mayor.

Rama who earlier declined the post is vocal in recommending five barangay captains, namely Joel Sable of Suba, Joel Garganera of Tinago, Philip Zafra of Tisa, Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta of Ermita and Althea Lim of Poblacion Pardo.

But Raymond Garcia, son of former city mayor Alvin Garcia also said during the 888 News Forum that their party, Kugi-Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) which is allied with Team Rama, has Navarro in their list of bets, along with Garganera and Rupinta.

Garcia confirmed that there have been talks about his being groomed as Team Rama’s bet for president of the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines (BCLP).

When sought for comment, Rama said Garcia has good qualifications.

“Raymond is number one in Kamputhaw. Number two, he is the son of his father; third, he’s a lawyer; and fourth, he’s with Team Rama. Nindot kaayo ni nga (These are stellar) qualifications,” Rama said.