LP bloc hits Gullas claims on old market

IF Rep. Eduardo Gullas seems to be distancing himself from the controversial transfer of the Tabunok public market to Lagtang, his opponents won’t let him off easily.

The Liberal Party (LP) bloc in Talisay City branded as “lies” Gullas’s claims that he had little to do with the transfer and left the decision mainly to local officials.

Romeo Villarente, LP vice mayoral candidate, said he saw Gullas urging Talisay City Hall department heads and local officials to complete the transfer of the public market in Lagtang at the Talisay City Sports Complex last Dec. 30.

The public market building in Lagtang was named the Macapagal-Gullas market building since it was financed during the term of former president Gloria Macagapal Arroyo.

Two years after the transfer, a tumultous one resisted by vendors, many still feel bitter about the move and complain that the new market in Lagtang farther from the national road draws fewer customers.

In a press conference, Gullas said it was the city officials who worked for the transfer of the public market while he focused on his job as congressman of Cebu’s 1st district.

“Kana siya nagpadayun lang gihapon sa iyang pagkabakakon apan ang katawhan nahibaw na sa iyang color ug tumong (He continues with his lies but the people of Talisay City now know his color and purpose),” Villarente said.

As a concession, seen as a campaign move for hismayorship bid, Gullas last Sunday led the re-opening of the parking lot for tricycles in the old Tabunok market.

He said he also wanted to “listen” to the sentiments of vendors about the market transfer to Lagtang and whether they wanted to return to the Tabunok site in the poblacion.

Several tricycle drivers told Cebu Daily News that they have a hard time finding passengers since most of them are in Lagtang.

Gullas earlier said he would “consult” with vendors on whether to re-open the Tabunok public market building.