Breaks ties with Alayon: Talisay dad joins LP

CEBU, Philippines – Three days after he aired his sentiments before the city council, Talisay City Councilor Val Ylanan yesterday formally joined the opposition by taking his oath with the Liberal Party.

Ylanan, escorted by fellow Councilors Romeo Villarante and Danny Caballero, both from LP, took his oath before Hilario Davide III, LP's provincial chairman, at the office of Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez.

"I have to do this simply because I want to attain peace of mind.

Maayo ning maklaro na nga naa ta sa opposition kaysa naa tuod ta sa administration pero wala man ta tagda sa atong mga kaalyado," said Ylanan.

Prior to the oathtaking, Ylanan, a neophyte councilor, sent his resignation letter to first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, chairman of the Alayon Party, which backed the administration candidates last May 10 polls.

For his part, Caballero said he was "glad" that Ylanan has joined their camp, and welcomed him like a long-lost brother. Ylanan is now the third member of the opposition group.

"Mas maayo sad ni nga opposition na ta haron makatingog na ta kung unsay bati sa council, pero sigurado, nga kung naa puy maayo, ato sab nga supurtaan. Ang ako lang, makalihok nako isip konsehal sa dakbayan sa Talisay," said Ylanan.

Last Tuesday during the council's regular session, Ylanan delivered a short privilege speech which centered on the resentment he felt from his party mates since he was elected to the post.

Ylanan called himself a "victim" of a political bloodshed designed by his own party, which critics believe, has been jealous of his making it to the third rank, beating most of the incumbents.

How Ylanan got such unexpected number of votes also rankled the people in his team.

Ylanan was not given a single committee chairmanship and the usual 20-worker quota supposedly entitled to an administration councilor, and other privileges that his party mates are already enjoying.

"It is apropos in flatly speaking that my inherent rights and privileges being a legitimate and bona fide member of Alayon Party is deprived, baselessly," the councilor said in his speech.

He however appealed to Vice Mayor and presiding officer Alan Bucao to intervene on this issue considering that he is the "father" of the team.

But Bucao refused saying it was the party's move, and since Ylanan made a mistake, of which he refused to elaborate, they have no choice but to impose him the penalty.

Witnessing his oath taking at the Capitol were LP provincial chairman Hilario Davide III, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy of the sixth district, and members of Ylanan's family.

"Well, of course we welcome Councilor Ylanan sa Liberal Party and tingale this is one sign nga daghan na o dunay discontentment among elected officials sa local party nila that's why they come to the Liberal party," Davide said.

Ylanan decided to join the LP given that his party mates in Alayon are reportedly shunning him.

Sanchez said the party would welcome any public official who wish to join on condition that he adheres to the party's principles.

His being with the administration party is only in name, as his own party later on alienated him, giving him no committee chairmanship unlike the rest of his party-mates who got two each and no privilege to endorse 20 workers to the city hall under his name, which each administration official is entitled to, he said.

On top of that, the furniture and fixtures in his office including the telephone were removed, before he occupied it.

Ylanan earlier had called on Vice Mayor and presiding officer Alan Bucao, being the "father" of the team, to intervene on this issue.

But Bucao already said that he can do nothing about it, as it was the party's decision.

Bucao said Ylanan could have done something to deserve the party's treatment. As to what he had done, Bucao refused to elaborate.

Bucao also said it is Ylanan who has distanced himself from the team from the very start. (FREEMAN)