Second district mayors stand by One Cebu

At total of 12 of 15 mayors of Cebu’s 2nd district pledged their support to n One Cebu party at the Capitol yesterday.

“We called for a press conference to put an end to the intrigues and speculations regarding the upcoming elections,” said Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia referring to rumors of a “mass exodus” of mayors to the Liberal Party (LP).

Rep. Pablo Garcia who is seeking reelection in Cebu’s 2nd district said there were even reports that only his son, Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia and Mayor Teresita Celis of Boljoon, would remain in the One Cebu fold.

“But I know the mayors in the second district and they know what the governor and the congressman in the district have done…We made sure to provide the needs in the second district from roads, to water and power and more,” he said.

Mayors at the press conference were Nick Delos Santos of Alcoy, Teresita Celis of Boljoon, Emelita Guisadio of Algeria, Daisy Creus of Malabuyoc, Ronald Sesante sa Dalaguete and Nelson Garcia of Dumanjug.

Also present were Mayors Inocentes Cabaron of Moalboal, Prudencio Barino of Alcantara, Mariano Blanco III of Ronda, Ronald Guaren of Oslob, Dean Michael Singco of Ginatilan, and Robert Librando of Badian.

Rep. Pablo John said One Cebu had to talk things over with Provincial Board (PB) Members Wilfredo Caminero and Peter John Calderon of Cebu’s 2nd district who decided to join the LP.

“This is a new development. We have not at this time considered names for possible candidates for PB in the second district. The party will soon meet so we can come up with a slate there,” he said.

“They said only two mayors are left for One Cebu. Why don’t they count me as the third. There are those who invited us to shift alliance but we are contended with the services that have been given to our place. We continue to support One Cebu,” said Mayor Guisadio.

Mayor Garcia of Dumanjug said even he was rumored to be leaving One Cebu.

“To the mayors who are on the opposite side: you’re so far, but you’re so near. I hate to see you go but have a good time,” he quipped.

Boljoon Mayor Teresita Celis said former mayor Deogenes “Wargong” Derama declined an LP invitation to run for 2nd district representative out of respect to the Garcias. With Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus