Two opposition bets snub mass oathtaking

CEBU, Philippines – While some opposition barangay captains responded to the invitation of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who administered their mass oath taking, two opposition former barangay captains who are now members of the barangay council did not attend.

Tinago barangay councilman Joel Garganera, who ranked number one for two consecutive terms, said he would rather take his oath before someone else than be administered by Mayor Michael Rama.

While he has no fight with the mayor, Garganera said he would like to spare Rama from Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña's harsh comments and be accused of "sleeping with the enemy".

"I would like to spare him from TRO's (Tomas R. Osmeña) harsh comments and be accused again of sleeping with the enemy. Remember?" Garganera said when asked why he did not join his group in yesterday's mass oathtaking held at the Cebu City Social Hall.

But he said he admired the move of Rama in extending his hand towards those who belonged to the opposition.

"I admire his move of setting aside partisan politics when we talk about city's services. Unlike the former mayor nga sige panggukod sa kontra sa politika, luod ug laway na kaayo," Garganera said.

But former Lahug barangay captain and now councilwoman Mary Ann delos Santos said that her group did not receive any invitation.

"I have no idea about that," Delos Santos said.

In a separate interview with the reporters, head of barangay affairs Andrew Borres said he did send letters to Lahug.

"We sent out invitation ug na-receive gyud nila last November 2 at 2:15 in the afternoon," Borres said, adding that the Rama has set aside political or group affiliation in conducting the oathtaking. (FREEMAN)