Cebu’s top novelty singer seeks seat in Cebu City council

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A popular Cebuano novelty singer wants to be a member of the Cebu City Council.

Maximo Castro Surban, known as Max Surban, filed his certificate of candidacy for north district councilor at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Cebu City.

His campaign slogan: “Serbisyo to the Max.”

The 76-year old singer, a resident of M. J. Cuenco in  Cebu City, showed up at the Comelec Cebu City north district office, shortly before 4 p.m. on Wednesday. He was accompanied by  his two lawyers.
Comelec staff members didn’t waste any time in taking their selfies with Surban after he was finished processing his CoC.

Surban was supposed to run as independent candidate after he failed to get a spot in the slate of Team Rama, headed by incumbent Mayor Michael Rama, an ally of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

When Rama told Surban last week that he could no longer be accommodated, Surban decided to no longer run.

But he was convinced by his family and friends to try his luck in the electoral contest.

Surban said he was able to get a certificate of nomination and acceptance from the Nacionalista Party.

Surban said his programs under “Serbisyo to the Max” slogan include the support and protection of local artists to encourage them to compose more Cebuano songs.

He also sought to provide more assistance to senior citizens, including the putting up of recreation centers and provision of free medicines.  He also wants to promote environmental protection.

He added he would advocate the training of senior citizens in the use of computers. SFM