No bets yet for SKF poll in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines – Just weeks before the elections, the two camps in Talisay City don't have bets yet for the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) presidency.

But opposition Councilor Val Ylanan said his son may be the likely candidate for the post, and if he becomes one, "he will get the family's full support."

Ylanan said he would ask his son, Val Joseph, who has not since shown interest in the position, whether he is willing to become a candidate for the opposition camp.

If rumors are true, Val Joseph, 17, incoming SK chairman of barangay Linao, will be facing the administration's Gabrielle Marc Alan Bucao of San Isidro, son of Vice Mayor Alan Bucao.

The administration however has remained mum about the issue.

Ylanan also sees they don't have the numbers, especially that the rival camp has taken at least 15 of the 22 SK leaders.

"Nevertheless, if Val Joseph's willing to run, then we'll help him, but we won't promise we will win it. That's politics, we don't know who's going to get the position until the federation finally decides," said Ylanan in an interview.

Meanwhile, the opposition has yet to decide who to field for the Association of Barangay Councils presidency.

Early on, incoming barangay Pooc chief Dory Emit was the party's supposed bet.

Opposition councilor Romeo Villarante, in a separate interview, said before Emit joined the administration, the group had already decided that he was going to be their candidate for next month's ABC election.

But with him gone, they are back to zero, he said.

Emit, a former ally of the opposition, was a party-mate of Villarante in the May 10 polls.

He however did not make it.

The opposition however noticed that the odds do not favor them, with only seven of the 22 barangay chiefs on their side.

Both the ABC and SKF presidents get a seat each in the city council, hence, additional two seats to the opposition camp, which currently has three, is crucial in the votation.  (FREEMAN)