Alayon joined Kampi after Villar joined opposition

Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas said it was Senate President Manuel Villar's joining the Genuine Opposition that prompted him and members of his Alayon Party to join Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino.

Alayon used to be allied with Nacionalista Party of Villar but Gullas said that their alliance is now suspended, although he is still supporting the reelection bid of the senator.

Gullas led his candidates for mayor and vice mayor of one city and five municipalities in the first district in taking their oath at the Kampi Headquarters in Manila yesterday before party president Rep. Luis Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Kampi-Visayas regional chairwoman and Cebu sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

Gullas explained the principles of Kampi are consistent with those of Alayon.

Also taking their oath before Kampi were Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez and Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza, Minglanilla Mayor Eduardo Selma and Vice Mayor Elanito Peña, Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong and Vice Mayor Delfin Señor, San Fernando Vice-Mayor Erico Enad and councilor Estanislao Jusayan, Carcar Mayor Mario Patrick Barcenas and Vice Mayor Roger Montesclaros and Sibonga Vice Mayor Jocelyn Sandigan.

On March 9, the Alayon will be having its district convention in Naga town to proclaim its candidates for the Provincial Board and town councilors.

After taking their oath yesterday, Gullas and Fernandez are set to attend the first Kampi national executive committee meeting to be held at the Manila Hotel today.

Ruiz said that during the meeting the party will be addressing the so-called problematic areas, certain provinces with two opposing candidates who both belong to Kampi.

While Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia of One Cebu Party set the vow to block the proposed Sugbu-ak bill as a condition for her support, Gullas also set his own condition and vowed to endorse senatorial candidates supporting the cityhood of Carcar.

Gullas said that the bill was already approved by the Senate through the support of Senators Francisco "Kiko" Pangilinan, Joker Arroyo, Villar and Ralph Recto. - Gregg M. Rubio/BRP