Red: No reconciliation yet

CEBU, Philippines -  No reconciliation between the warring members of the Durano clan is seen in the immediate future according to Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI of Cebu’s fifth district.

Red yesterday said that his uncles, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. and former mayor Jesus “Don” Durano have hurt his father, Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III badly.

“Okey ra unta to if ang deperensiya nila is politics lang. Pero giapil na gud nila ang personal issues ba which I think that really hurt my dad,” said Red at the 888 News Forum yesterday.

Red calls his uncles “papa Boy” and “papa Don” throughout the forum.

Red and his aunt, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and other Danao City officials were the guests of the news forum yesterday where they answered issues raised by Boy in the same media forum last week.

Red said that it was his father, who is now out of the country, who pushed them to answer the allegations that Boy raised.

When asked if a reconciliation between the members of their clan is still possible, he answered, “I don’t think presently that there would be reconciliation.”

Boy and Nito were allies up to the 2010 elections when they swapped positions and won together.

But their relationship turned sour because Mayor Boy runs the city against the will of Nito. 

Red said that after the 2010 elections, his father felt betrayed by Mayor Boy who earlier reported that he has maintained good management of the city, especially in terms of finances, even without the support of the city council.

But Red alleged that his uncle Boy has done illegal moves in running the city and ignored the actions of the council led by his father, Nito.

Red cited the appointment of Don as city administrator and lawyer Gloria Dalawampu as city attorney without the concurrence of the city council.

“How can you consider these acts to be in the interest of the people of Danao and the city?” Red said.

Don was the district head of the Liberal Party but he recently resigned after Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) Party of Nito forged an alliance with LP.

Red said that LP wanted Bakud to be their ally as they saw what they have done in the district.

 This prompted Don and Boy to join forces with One Cebu Party led by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

One Cebu and Bakud are former allies.

Bakud Party is supporting the gubernatorial bid of lawyer Hilario Davide III of LP and Magpale’s runningmate.

Boy earlier predicted the defeat of Magpale in Danao City.

His son, former Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano V is reportedly the running for vice governor with Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

“Ato lang tan-awon, di lang ta manghambog like wa man mi mag-ingon pud nga mao ni ang amo buhaton, we have quite a track record,” Magpale said.—(FREEMAN)