UNA to back Maamo for Cebu City north district?

 CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City north district congressional bet, Dr. Marlo Maamo, will most likely get the nomination of the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) over actress Annabelle Rama.

This is according to Rupina “Pines” Arcega, the national chairman of the education committee of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), who conducted the Basic Membership Seminar for multi-sectoral leaders in Cebu City yesterday.

PDP-Laban vice president Joey de Venecia III was supposed to attend the gathering but Arcega told reporters that he was in another province.

Maamo took his oath with PDP-Laban led by Vice President Jejomar Binay while Rama took her oath with Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) led  by former President Joseph Estrada. Both Binay and Estrada formed the UNA.

Arcega said it was already agreed that UNA will issue the certificates of nomination to their candidates.

Although she said that PDP-Laban and PMP can also issue individual certificates of nomination should there be conflict but it has to go through the arbitration committee.

Arcega said that Rama can still run through a PMP nomination while Maamo will get his from UNA.

In a press conference yesterday, Maamo said that he has no local slate for mayor, vice mayor and councilors in Cebu City’s north district.

Maamo organized the BMS for PDP-Laban leaders composed of barangay leaders and officials, professionals, youth, senior citizens, women and urban poor leaders. 

Around 300 participants attended the activity yesterday that highlighted the mass oath taking for their affiliation with PDP-Laban.

Maamo was endorsed by the Urban Poor Solidarity Federation (UPSFED), the biggest urban poor umbrella organization in Cebu City consisting of 200 urban poor organizations, to run for Congress.

Maamo is a former mayor of Liloan, Southern Leyte, but he was born in Cebu City. He also finished his degree here.  Aside from Rama, Maamo will be facing either former Rep. Raul del Mar or the daughter, incumbent Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar, in the Cebu City north congressional district next elections.

Maamo said that if he wins, his priorities include the improvement in the delivery of health services in the district.

Maamo is criticizing the proposed flyovers pushed by the del Mars saying the most needed health services seem to be neglected.  He is instead eyeing to establish government hospitals in Talamban, Lahug and the Pier area.  (FREEMAN)