In Daanbantayan: Greg says polls results show Loot loved more than Gwen

CEBU, Philippines – For Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., the recent barangay polls would show how much Mayor Maria Luisa Loot is loved by her constituents in Daanbantayan more than Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Of the 20 barangays in Daanbantayan, only the barangay captain of Bakhawan and four of its councilmen are allied with Garcia.

Sanchez and Loot themselves only became allies after both claimed to have been persecuted by the governor.

Loot supported the tandem of Garcia and Glenn Soco in the May 2010 polls, but the tandem of Hilario Davide III and Sanchez of Liberal Party won in Daanbantayan.

Speaking before the newly-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officers of Daanbantayan yesterday, Sanchez expressed his appreciation over LP's victory there.

"Mangita ko og higayun nga makabawos ko sa inyo. I was told, just wait. It's just a matter of time," Sanchez said.

"Your mayor can be a good governor with leadership," he said, adding that Loot has "competence, courage and character."

Sanchez also took the chance to charge on Garcia, saying both she and Loot have courage, only that the governor is using hers by throwing ball pens to department heads during meetings.

Meanwhile, Loot's son, Board Member Sun Shimura, expressed his discomfort over the situation. Shimura said he has no choice but to stick with Garcia's One Cebu Party because he wants the province to release the financial assistance he had requested for the fourth district.

"Maghilak nalang ko sa tago," Shimura said.

Loot already announced her plan to shift political alliance. She said she will bring with her all town and barangay officials, as well as her son.

"Nagpabilin si Sun sa One Cebu kay di niya i-among ang iyang gisaad sa niaging piniliay sa inyo. Kung mosunod siya sa inahan, daghang makalolooy," she said. (FREEMAN)