Vice Gov’s son now PB member; Bakud assures LP of victory

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale’s son took his oath as member of the Provincial Board representing the 5th district.

Miguel Antonio Magpale was sworn in before Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and RTC Judge Josefa Ramos.

Durano, head of the Barug Alang sa Kaugmaon ug Demokrasya (Bakud) , in his message recalled Miguel telling him that he wished his father, the late Court of Appeals Justice Arsenio Magpale who died in 2010, was alive to see him become a public official.

“I am sure he is proud of you. Just follow the path and deeds of your mother and you will not fail in the PB,” Durano said.

Miguel, a councilor of Danao City, filled the vacancy left by his mother in the PB’s 5th district, a position she gave up when she assumed the post of vice governor after the death last year Gregorio Sanchez Jr. .

Vice Mayor Durano assured their allies in the Liberal Party (LP) that recent realignments in Cebu politics would not affect their election chances in north Cebu’s 5th district.

“I can assure that Junjun Davide will win here,” he told reporters, refering to the LP standard bearer.

He said One Cebu’s drafting of Boboy Durano as Rep. Pablo John Garcia’s vice gubernatorial bet “will not affect the chances of an LP-Bakud victory in the 5th district.”

“In Danao city, Boboy will get votes, but that will not change the trend in the district,” Vice Mayor Durano said.

Miguel’s entry will further boost the LP’s influence in the Capitol legislature as the ninth member of the new majority block.

Gov. Gwen Garcia’s One Cebu party has four members, while Alayon party has two. The PB has one independent member.

Also present during the ceremony yesterday were 5th district mayors Butch Sepulveda of Borbon, Dan Jusay of Catmon, Gerard Villamor of Carmen and Monyeen Durano of Sogod.

Former Councilor Boying Rodriguez, Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI of the 5th district, PB Member Peter John Calderon and PB Member Jude Sybico were also present.

Bakud Party members are set to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) during the last day of filing on October 5.