Gwen's brother elected as mayors' league prexy

CEBU, Philippines – Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia, brother of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, was elected unopposed as new president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter.

The election was held yesterday at the Conference Room of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

A total of 36 out of 51 mayors of the different municipalities and component cities attended yesterday's election.

Mayors, including those members of the Liberal Party, also attended the election.

The LP members in the group were Consolacion's Teresa Alegado, Abe Canoy of San Fernando and Aljun Diamante of Tuburan.

Mayor Garcia said that he hopes for the success of all their programs most especially with the overwhelming support that he got.

He said that he would serve as a bridge between the mayors and his sister.

"Nagpasalamat ako ug dako sa gipakita nga pagsalig kanato sa mga mayor, mao nga maningkamot kita nga ang mga kalihukan sa liga magmalampuson gayud ilabi na sa mga proyekto diha sa kalungsoran," said Garcia. Governor Garcia, on the other hand, expressed her thanks to the mayors who supported her brother and said that it was proof of their unity.

She also thanked the LP mayors, who took part in the elections.

The other elected officers of the league were Sibonga's Lionel Bacaltos, Vice President for Internal; Liloan's Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco, Vice President for External; Alcoy's Nicomedes de los Santos, Secretary; Samboan's Raymond Joseph Calderon, Treasurer; Ronda's Mariano Blanco III, Assistant Treasurer; Dalaguete's Ronald Allan Cesante, Auditor; and Tabuelan's Rex Gerona, Press Relations Officer.

Elected as members of the Board of Directors were Minglanilla's Eduardo Selma for the 1st District; Moalboal's Inocentes Cabaron and Argao's Edsel Galeos for the 2nd District; Aloguinsan's Augustus Moreno for the 3rd District; Madridejos' Salvador de la Fuente for the 4th District; Borbon's Bernard Sepulveda and Tudela's Erwin Yu for the 5th District and Alegado for the 6th District.

Before the election yesterday, Mayor Garcia reportedly held an initial meeting with the Cebu mayors under One Cebu party.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party in Cebu province will put up a complete slate for the Philippine Councilors League-Cebu Province Chapter election this August 4.

During the meeting, they decided to support Talisay City Councilor Romeo Villarante as their bet for president against Danao City Councilor Maria Carmen "Ivy" Durano-Meca.

Meca is daughter of former Danao City Mayor and now Vice Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III. She is also the sister of 5th District Congressman Ramon" Red" Durano VI.

Villarante, on the other hand, admitted that seeking the presidency of league is a big challenge, but he accepted such.

The group also decided to support Pinamungajan Councilor Jeffrey Anthony Yapha for Vice President; Minglanilla Councilor Boyet Velez for Secretary-General; Tuburan Municipal Councilor Marie Tabotabo for Treasurer; Councilor Orchid De Gracia as Auditor; Consolacion Councilor Julius Alegado as Press Relations Officer; Tuburan Councilor Danilo Diamante for Business Manager.

Their bets for the Board of Directors are Neil Enriquez, Felicisimo Jadraque, Louella Pasilan, Vicente Colonia, Demetrio Cortes, Jr., Diosdado Suico and Gilbert Arrabis Jr.

The camp of Durano is still finalizing its slate and they expect to release such today.  (THE FREEMAN)