George Rama drops Sanchez

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Basak San Nicolas Captain George Rama has abandoned his words to support the bid of Busay Barangay Captain Eliodoro “Yody” Sanchez for president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City.

Rama, cousin of Mayor Michael Rama, made a sudden turn-around after South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña did not include Sanchez in the possible choices for ABC presidency.

Osmeña said he is just choosing between T. Padilla Barangay Captain Michael Ralota and Manuel Guanzon of Capitol Site.

The leader of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan did not include Sanchez in the choices because he has opposition members in his line-up. Among the opposition members that who are in Sanchez’s line up are Jerry Guardo of Sambag 1, Pastor Alcover II of Agsungot and Eugenio Gabuya of Cogon Pardo, Rama.

 “I know that Sanchez is running but Sanchez is just a front. As far as I’m concerned, Rama is the real candidate,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña fears that the ABC will be controlled or influenced by the Ramas if Sanchez becomes its president.

“Kung ingun-ana man gani nga nagduda si Tommy, muhilom na lang ko. Di ko gusto nga mahiubos si Tommy so di nako mag-apil-apil anang ABC. Mubiya na lang ko sa ABC. Di na lang ko magpamiyembro,” Rama said.

Rama said he was shocked upon to learn that the Congressman doubts his loyalty and thinks that he supports Sanchez because of personal interest.

“Wala ko nagpadagan anang Sanchez. Siya maoy nagpatabang nako. Unya kay ako nagtuo nga si Yody ang maayo nga mahimong ABC president, ako s’yang gisuportahan,” he said.

He said that not political reason, but concern for the mountain barangays is the primary reason that he pushed earlier for Sanchez’s candidacy.

“This will be the first time nga naa’y ma-elect na ABC president from the mountain barangays. Wala man gud sila kabalo nga daghan kaayong problema ang mountain barangays,” Rama said.

He still believes that Sanchez is perfect for the position but admitted that he already lost hope that he will win after many captains told him they are ready to shift support to whoever will be endorsed by Osmeña.

Rama warned those who are allegedly trying to create a war between Osmeña and the Ramas. He said Osmeña will remain his BOPK ‘master’ even if the latter has doubted his loyalty.

“Master gihapon, bahala’g di sya mudawat nako,” Rama said. (FREEMAN)