Sanchez using Tuburan as springboard?

CEBU, Philippines - Tuburan Mayor Constancio Suezo and his wife, Vice Mayor Rosemarie Suezo yesterday said Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez has a grand plan to use Tuburan as his “springboard” to further his political career.

“We cannot please everybody. Kung giunsa namo pag-govern ang Tuburan, wa siya kakita. I’m inviting you to see the real status of our town. Daghan kaayong pasangil, iya rang gigamit ang Tuburan nga springboard. He makes Tuburan an issue kay most likely he has plans for his political career,” said Mayor Suezo told the media during a press conference at the Cebu Grand Magestic Restaurant.

The mayor alleged that their relationship with the vice governor, which dates back before the latter joined the administration in 2007, turned sour when they rejected his appeal to hand to him half of Tuburan’s 54 barangays, which are said to be solid for the Suezos.

He said the request came shortly after the 2007 elections, when he and his wife came to Sanchez’ office upon his invitation after the vice governor promised that he would “bridge” them to the newly reelected Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

At that time, the Suezos were known allies of former third district Rep. Antonio Yapha, who lost to Pablo John Garcia, brother of the governor and One Cebu’s secretary general.

“I was one of the supports of Sugbuak. Sa kadaghan namo ato, why kami ra may iyang gi-single out?” asked Mayor Suezo.

In response to Sanchez’ claims that the Suezos have failed to address the problem on the peace and order situation of Tuburan, which is the vice governor’s native town, municipal councilor Reymelio Delute, chairman on council committee on peace and order, said that “the problem on insurgency has been solved” in Tuburan, which used to be known as the haven of the New People’s Army.

As to the ordinary crimes like drugs, rapes, murders, among others, Delute said there is no town that is free from any of that.

“I’m willing to resign if Greg can say Tuburan is one of the 10 drug infested in the province,” he said.

Former supporters of former fourth district Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez, Tabuelan Mayor Casiano Gerona and his son, Vice Mayor Rex Gerona, also declared yesterday that they have joined the One Cebu already.

Gerona said that although they have yet to take their oath as official members of the administration ticket, which is scheduled on or before November 20, they have already been supportive of the governor’s projects.

He alleged that the Martinezes have already “abandoned” them when Celestino Martinez III lost to now fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon.

Gerona, who admitted giving way to his son to become mayor next year, said that it has been Governor Garcia who has been giving his town projects, hence, he did not think twice to shift his support to her administration.

For his part, Sanchez admitted that he asked half of Tuburan’s town to solidify his hold on it. He said he also asked Garcia the same since 2007.

The Suezos, he said, agreed to his request, but only in words, as during the last barangay elections, they continued to control all 54 barangay captains. — Liv G. Campo/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)