Yeung: Running vs. Junie is no joke

CEBU, Philippines - Businesswoman Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung said seeking the mayoralty post in Bogo City is a not a joke considering her opponent, but she has made up her mind to introduce changes to the city.

Yeung said that if given a chance to serve the people of Bogo City, she will introduce changes in the city and improve the people’s quality of living.

She said Bogo City needs to be improved as it is a center for neighboring places like Masbate, Leyte and Biliran.

Yeung also said she will give health immediate priority and she will provide a counterpart to the health card program of her brother Rep. Benhur Salimbangon.

Meanwhile, Liberal Party standard-bearer Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s girlfriend, Shalani Soledad, visited Yeung yesterday.

“I came here as a personal visit to Tita Mariquita. But of course, we expect support from all the Cebuanos and we would be glad if we get support from her,” Soledad said.

Soledad was here in Cebu together with her supporters for campaign sorties. The group had lunch at the Yeung’s house in barangay Lahug after their courtesy call with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Yeung’s rival in the mayoralty race is Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez II, an LP member.

When asked if this will send a wrong signal that the LP is supporting Yeung’s candidacy, Soledad said: “My visit here has no political attachment”.

The other day, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Senator Manuel Villar Jr. and wife Cynthia also paid Yeung a visit.

The mayoralty candidate is also a personal friend of deposed president Joseph Estrada, who is again running for president.

Yeung, a noted philanthropist and founder of the MSY Charitable Institution is running under One Cebu party of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia which is supporting former Defense chief Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.

Yeung said that she sees nothing wrong if candidates visit her.

“Everyone is welcome. My heart is big enough for all of them,” Yeung said. — Jose P. Sollano and Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)