Priest considers Soco an alternative candidate

CEBU, Philippines - A priest in Bantayan Island has acknowledged independent vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Anthony Soco as an "alternative candidate".

Rev. Fr. Isidro Ducao of the Sto. Niño Parish Church in Santa Fe, Cebu made the acknowledgement after his homily and the covenant signing yesterday.

Soco was in Bantayan Island as part of his two-day caravan in the fourth district of Cebu.

"Gawas sa naandan nga kinaraang pamolitika nga usa ta ka bag-ong kandidato nga adunay mga preskong panglantaw ug bag-ong panglihok-lihok, ako nalipay nga nakit-an ni sa pari ug sa simbahan," Soco said.

Before the mass has ended, a covenant for secured and honest elections on May 13 was signed by all candidates in the municipality of Santa Fe.  Soco was also asked to sign the covenant although he is not part of it but because he was already there.

Around 700 members of New Guardians Inc. of Bantayan Island who gathered at a resort in Santa Fe have invited Soco upon learning his presence in the area.

Soco visited some barangays in Bantayan town where he was greeted by officials and volunteer workers.

"Nagkinahanglan kita og bise gobernador nga may kadasig nga mosuroy ug mahikap," Soco said.

In his speech, Soco lashed at his opponent, acting Governor Agnes Magpale, for questioning the transactions of her former ally, suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

He also criticized Magpale's slogan, "Ang Sayop Saktohon", and her call for change.

"Sakto ba gyud nang mangilog og microphone? Apil siya sa angayan ilisan kung maghisgut man ta og kabag-ohan," Soco said.

Former Bantayan councilor Marlon Pacana who is now serving as executive assistant of Mayor Christopher Ian Escario said that first time in their town that a candidate for the second highest position in the Province of Cebu has visited barangays and the islets.

Soco has visited several barangays in Madridejos town where he held a mini rally.

During the first day of the caravan last Saturday, Soco visited Tabogon, Bogo City, San Remegio, Daanbantayan and Medellin in time for their fiesta. — (FREEMAN)