Kusug stays alive, to be Reorganized

CEBU, Philippines - The leaders of the Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) decided last night not to disband their political group even though some of their members have already bolted to join with the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan.

“We have decided that instead of disbanding Kusug we will reorganize it,” said former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia after the group’s meeting at the White Gold Restaurant last night.

Aside from Alvin, the other Kusug leaders present were Raymond Garcia, Tinago Barangay councilman Joel Garganera, Punta Princesa Barangay Captain Jose Navarro, Danilo Lim, lawyer Aven Piramide, former city councilor Rudy Cabrera, George Chang and Sambag 1 Barangay Captain Jerry Guardo.

Lahug Barangay councilwoman Mary Ann delos Santos and Jonathan Guardo were also invited to the meeting, but Delos Santos failed to attend because of a prior commitment while Guardo was in Manila.

Those present in the meeting discussed the possibility of disbanding Kusug, particularly because some of its original members have shifted support to BOPK.

Cogon-Pardo Barangay Captain Eugenio Gabuya used to be a Kusug leader, recently announced his candidacy for councilor in the south district under BOPK, while Atan Guardo had also announced he will support the mayoralty bid of Cebu City South District congressman and BOPK head Tomas Osmeña.

Instead of disbanding Kusug, it was agreed that they should reorganize it, although they still did not say who they will support —whether for Team Rama or BOPK— in the next year’s elections.

Garcia’s son Raymond, a lawyer by profession, was chosen by the group to be the new president of Kusug with Garganera as the party’s secretary general.

Piramide will act as the group’s adviser for north district while Navarro will do the same for the south district.

The elder Garcia, who acted as the spokesman of the group, said Kusug leaders will evaluate if their supporters in the barangays are still willing to support the party just in case they decide to participate in the forthcoming elections next year.

The former mayor said it is not necessary that Kusug field candidates if they will decide to support a political party in the city because what is important to them is that somebody will pursue their dream for the development of the city.

Garcia said the group will be holding another meeting a few weeks from now and maybe then they can decide who between BOPK and Team Rama they will be supporting. —/BRP - THE FREEMAN