Soco starts visiting barangays

CEBU, Philippines - Businessman Glenn Anthony Soco admitted starting to visit different barangays in Cebu’s sixth district to consult with supporters regarding an impending plan to run for Congress in next year’s polls.

While saying that it is still “premature” to announce any concrete plans, Soco told barangay captains, councilors, and fellow businessmen during his birthday celebration last Saturday that he will abide with the decision of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Soco said he had visited different barangays in Mandaue and the towns of Consolacion and Cordova to “determine the sentiments of the people.” He said a number of barangay officials and members of the youth sector reportedly welcomed him during the visit.

He said some of them confided to him issues and concerns in their respective barangays that needs immediate attention. A businessman based in Mandaue City also reportedly shared with him his fellow businessman’s observations about the ongoing conflict between the city’s officials.

“Nalipay kita nga sa atong pagduaw sa matag barangay, daghan ang mga musumbong nato sa mga problema sa ilang barangay,” Soco said.

Soco said he also met with an environmental group in Mandaue City during which they discussed problems affecting the environment in Mandaue City, Cordova and Consolacion, especially issues affecting the Mactan Channel.

Soco said he will help look into the problem and will coordinate with officials of the three local government units, regardless of whether or not he will seek a congressional post.

He stressed that irregardless of whether or not he will seek a congressional post, he will continue the program related to environment, which his father had advocated before.

“Akong padayonon ang tinguha sa akong amahan ug nasugdan nga kalihukan kabahin sa atong kalikun,” Soco said.

Soco admitted that some friends and supporters of his father, former Mandaue City councilor Guillermo “Momoy” Soco, tried to convince him to announce his decision on his birthday last Saturday.

However, Soco stressed that aside from the support from different sectors, he would still respect the decision of Garcia. He said Garcia’s support is a big factor for his candidacy, if ever.

Soco owns Coffee Dream, Mandaue Integrated Manpower Services, and Powerline Manpower Services.

He was among the first batch of Sangguniang Kabataan presidents for barangay Labogon in 1992.

Soco’s family traces its lineage to Mandaue with his father a two-term City Councilor affiliated with former Mayor Alfredo Ouano. Guillermo was once voted number one councilor.

Soco finished elementary and high school at the Saint Joseph’s Academy and often walked from school to their house during that time. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO (THE FREEMAN)