CEBU, Philippines - Barely a month before the start of campaign for local candidates, politics continues to boil in Lapu-Lapu City when lone opposition councilor Junard “Ahong” Chan opposed the move to publish additional advertisements congratulating the mayor’s wife for being an outstanding barangay captain.
In the end, though, the vote of the majority block allied to Mayor Arturo Radaza prevailed over that of Chan’s. The 10-1 vote succeeded in appropriating the funds to publish a congratulatory advertisement for Mactan Barangay Captain Paz Radaza in the three local dailies.
Paz was recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government as one of the 10 outstanding barangay captains in Central Visayas.
Councilor Florito Pozon, the sponsor of the resolution, said Paz deserves the award and the Council “must recognize her.” Paz was against 3,000 barangay captains in Region 7 who participated in the search.
Two weeks ago, Chan questioned an advertisement that came out in the newspaper on February 16, saying it did not have the approval of the Council. Because of this, he said the Council should not have been named payor of the advertisement.
In yesterday’s session, however, Pozon reasoned that “the political season has no bearing in the publication.”
“To me, it is not improper and irregular. The City Council should not put political color. The recognition is given to her because of her accomplishment,” Pozon said.
Paz is running for mayor against Chan in the upcoming May 2010 polls. Pozon, for his part, is seeking re-election under Radaza’s slate.
Chan objected to the additional congratulatory advertisements, but he was outnumbered in the end.
After the session, Chan said his colleagues should observe “delicadeza,” considering that all of them are up for re-election under Radaza’s camp. “Delicadeza unta…dili angayan uy. Mura man hinuon ug kulang sila sa pansin,” Chan said.
Aside from the newspaper advertisements, a big tarpaulin has also been put up in front of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall congratulating Paz.
The search for outstanding barangay captains was conducted last December from which Barangay Captain Nida Cabrera of barangay Luz, Cebu City was named Best Barangay Captain under the highly urbanized city category. Cabrera bested Paz in this category. - Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)