Guanzon: I'm still in race for ABC prexy

CEBU, Philippines – Contrary to reports that he is not interested in the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) presidency, newly elected Capitol Site Barangay Captain Manuel Guanzon is making rounds to drum up support from his colleagues for his candidacy.

Earlier, it was reported that the fight for ABC president, who will then become ex-officio member of the Cebu City Council, was only between Busay Barangay Captain Elidoro "Yody" Sanchez and T. Padilla Barangay Captain Michael Ralota.

But Guanzon, the outgoing president of the Barangay Councilor's League of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter, was busy yesterday touching base with his colleagues.

"I'm willing to accept the ABC presidency with the support of the group," Guanzon said after the BCLP board meeting Wednesday night.

The outgoing ABC president is Eugenio Faelnar of Guadalupe.

Former mayor and now Cebu South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña, the founder of the Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan, reportedly made a survey on the choice of majority of barangay captains. He and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama had said they would not endorse any candidate.

Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama said that most of the south district barangay leaders want Sanchez to replace Faelnar. George said he wants Sanchez because he is not a contractor unlike Ralota and Guanzon.

But Guanzon pointed out that being a contractor does not mean one is no longer qualified for the position.

"In my service as public official since 1989, I can prove to you that not a single project, bisan usa nga nangayo ko og pabor," Guanzon said, pointing out that the previous administration can attest to his integrity.

As an outgoing BCLP president, Guanzon said the organization has been transparent especially on the funding given to them by the City Government and Pagcor.

In a board meeting, Guanzon showed that out of the P3-million financial assistance from the City for BCLP barangay sports development and promotion in 2008, they have a savings of P455,111.50.

In May 2009, the Pagcor gave P2 million to BCLP, from which the BCLP incurred a savings of P634,333.61.

"There is transparency here in BCLP. Kung ako ang mamahimong president sa ABC mao pud ni akong buhaton," Guanzon said.

In a board meeting Wednesday night, outgoing BCLP officers - Ray Salgado of Punta Princesa, Jojo Ibones of Cogon-Pardo, Lito Ardiente of Guba, Edith Fernandez of Tinago and Simeon Romarate of Basak Pardo - attested that BCLP under the leadership of Guanzon has done a lot of projects and sports activities for the interest of the barangay councilors.

If he will be chosen and endorsed by the group, Guanzon said he will work on the closure of book of accounts from 2007 up to the present in all 80 barangays and settle all payment of vouchers. (FREEMAN)