Talisay admin party denies opposition has the numbers

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City's administration party has denied reports that majority of the 22 barangay captains are identified with the opposition.

City administrator Richel Bacaltos, who served as the administration camp's campaign manager last May 10 polls, said the opposition has "no basis" to claim such because the administration still has the number.

Bacaltos said 12 of the 22 barangay chiefs are affiliated with the administration, which means it still has the majority, and "more are coming because some of the elected barangay captains have already expressed their intention to join (the administration)."

Earlier, opposition Councilor Romeo Villarante claimed that 12 newly elected barangay chiefs are from the opposition, which would mean the opposition would have the number for the election of the next president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

An ABC president automatically becomes an ex-officio member of the city council.

Presently, it is being held by outgoing Pooc barangay chief Osmundo Manreal of the administration camp who was elected as first councilman of his barangay last Monday.

The opposition has also claimed that re-elected barangay Tabunok captain Manuel Cabriana is on the side of the opposition.

Cabriana was among the barangay chiefs who supported the candidacy of former Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza, an opposition bet in the vice mayoral race last May.

Cabriana is reportedly one of those being groomed by the opposition for the coming election for ABC president.

But Bacaltos said Cabriana who ran unopposed was supported by the administration party.

Villarante said he believes they would get two more seats in the council once the ABC and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation presidents would be elected.

The opposition councilor also believes that the next SKF president would be from their party considering that majority of the newly elected SK chairmen are affiliated with the opposition.

Presently, the council has three opposition councilors, namely, Villarante, Danny Caballero, and Val Ylanan. (FREEMAN)