Ouano not backing bets running vs. incumbents

CEBU, Philippines – Provincial board member Thadeo Ouano denied he is backing 18 barangay captains who would be running against incumbent barangay captains who are allied with the administration of Mandaue city Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Ouano said he will support the candidacy of his younger sister Liza Ouano-Icalina who will be running for barangay captain against another sibling Rafael who is supported by his sister incumbent barangay captain Joy Ouano.

Thadeo and Joy are at odds with one another.

Ouano also said some candidates had sought his support.

Except for the candidacy of her sister Liza, Ouano will keep his hands off the elections because he doesn't want to jeopardize the relationship of his daughter Emmarie "Lollipop" Ouano-Dizon with Cortes .

Ouano-Dizon joined the administration camp after she won as city councilor in the May 2010 elections .

Ouano will support the candidacy of her sister Liza because he knows that she can represent barangay Opao better than anybody else.

Although there has been no confirmation whether Rafael will run for office, speculations are rife he will replace his sister Joy who is already on her last term of office and will run as barangay councilor.

At present Liza and Rafael are barangay councilors in Opao.

Thadeo denied the allegation made by his sister Joy that in his nine years as city mayor their barangay was never improved.

Thadeo said several projects that were intended for the barangays were blocked by Joy herself.

"Naa koy daghan gustong i-introduce apan dili dawaton busa wa koy mahimo. But despite that naninguha dyapon ko nga makabubo ko ug mga proyekto sa barangay busa lipay kayo ang mga tawo during my time," Ouano said.

He said the record speaks for itself, that he was able to construct several school buildings in the barangay, improve street lighting, and its drainage.

He said during his first term of office, barangay Opao was among the dirtiest barangays of the city and the reason why he initiated the Clean and Green Program of the city government.

He said that with Liza, he can assure residents of Opao they can be proud of her.

His father Pedong, the Ouano partriach, and her mother Loling have already made up their minds to support her candidacy. (FREEMAN)