Rama allies take lead in elections

ALLIES of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama were leading the canvassing of results in yesterday’s election of new officers of the Cebu City chapter of the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines at the New White Gold House in Cebu City.

As of 9 p.m.  and with  more than 200 votes to canvass, all Team Rama candidates led by Kamputhaw barangay councilman Raymond Garcia were  ahead of their rivals allied with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) and led by Kasambagan councilman Franklyn Ong.

Out of 559 councilmen, a total of 526 cast their ballots.

A councilwoman from barangay Babag who died last week was delisted.

Ong, incumbent BCLP president, said this year’s turnout was  bigger than the last election in 2010 where his entire group ran unopposed.

He described this year’s election as “thrilling and controversial” as he was challenged by  Garcia.

“Service beyond colors. Performance beyond promises,” Ong said.

Garcia said he wanted to give “concrete and tangible” benefits to the city’s councilors.

These include raising the incentives for barangay officials, forming a legal team in BCLP and providing a P25,000 medical assistance to each official.

The voting was officially declared open by the election committee at 2:22 p.m.  As of 9 p.m.,  Garcia was leading with 117 votes against 59 for Ong.

For executive vice president, Litoy Ceniza (Kalunasan) led with 109 votes while Helen Francisco (Carreta) had 66. Yody Sanchez (Busay) was leading as vice president for north district with 94 votes while Rex Millan (Kalubihan) had 61.

Eugen Tabas (Toong) was leading as vice president for south district with 94 votes while Litang Abarquez (Poblacion Pardo) had 60.

For secretary, Grace Baquero (Punta Princesa) led with 120 while Garry Lao (Tejero) had 54.

For treasurer, Maria Pino (Ermita) led with 119 while Joan Babasyon (Lorega) had 57.

David Agravante (Zapatera) had 116 votes against the 56 votes of Raffy Briones (Tinago) for auditor.

Gerry Auxilio Jr. (Quiot) had 111 votes against the 62 votes of Malou Inocando Tabar (Banilad) for Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Several Cebu City officials were spotted during yesterday’s election including Mayor Michael Rama and some of his core group.

BO-PK leader Tomas Osmeña was also present with his allies at the second floor. Correspondent Jose Santino Bunachita