BOPK councilors to stay loyal to party

CEBU, Philippines - Dismissing reports that they are changing hearts and will soon be joining Team Rama, Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) councilors vowed to stay loyal to their party.

During their victory party last Sunday, BOPK duly-elected and proclaimed councilors from the north district - Nestor Archival, Alvin Arcilla, Bebs Andales, Lea Japson, Alvin Dizon, Nida Cabrera, and those from south -  Margot Osmena, Gerry Carillo, Jun Gabuya, Roberto Cabarrubias, Richie Osmena reassured their supporters and chairman, outgoing Rep. Tomas Osmeña, that their loyalty remains.

Even candidates who did not make it in the elections pledged allegiance and support to their chairman and the party including Zenaida Amores, Michael Ralota, Gabby Leyson.

Outgoing Vice Mayor Joy Young also belied rumors that some councilors will switch affiliation saying “we are not for sale.”

Rep. Osmeña, for his part, said he does not mind should his councilors decide to switch sides.

“I have no problem with that. I am used to starting from scratch. If they decide to join the other party, then that’s fine. It’s a chance for new ones,” Osmena told reporters in an interview after the party.

Vice mayor-elect and outgoing councilor Edgar Labella earlier said he will talk to fellow councilors and try to convince them to support the programs of reelected Mayor Michael Rama in order to create a “productive” and “participative” city council.

“I will talk to them, not necessarily to convince them to join our party. Political affiliation is nothing. We are foremost Cebuanos and we should help Cebu City,” Labella told reporters.

Rama is currently on a 22-day vacation to an undisclosed destination, with sources saying it’s outside the country.

With this, Osmena asked, “Why the rush? Why the hush?.” — Jessa Chrisna Marie Agua,  Marielle Shayne Palaubsanon /MBG (FREEMAN)