Junjun-Agnes tandem gets Chiong’s backing

CEBU, Philippines - City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong has jumped ship and declared his support to the Davide-Magpale tandem in the 2016 elections, during his State of Naga Address  yesterday.

“Dinhi sa atubangan sa akong mga kaigsuonan nga taga-Naga (In front of my constituents I promise that comes your reelection (bid) in 2016, ang suporta ug pagtabang (support and help) under my leadership kinasingkasing namong ihatag (would be heartily extended to you),” said Chiong, referring to Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

The vice governor, Cebu first district Representative Samsam Gullas, local mayors and other government officials were among those who showed up to listen to Chiong deliver his SONA, which was given during the city’s 7th Charter Day celebration on Friday.  Thousands of residents and representatives of the private and public sectors were also there.

Chiong said he was convinced by the sincerity of the current administration in helping the public, which convinced him to join the administration group.

Asked by the media after his SONA if he was abandoning One Cebu, Chiong said he was never with the group.  He said he was with Alayon, which supported One Cebu candidate Pablo John Garcia in the 2013 gubernatorial race and former governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia in the last local elections.

Also asked on what would he do if current third district Representative Gwen Garcia would again run for governor, Chiong said he has already pledged allegiance to Davide; hence, he is bound to support him if he runs in 2016.

 Chiong, though, said his friendship with the Garcias remains and that he is willing to talk to the former governor if she plans to run again.

With six local government units in the first congressional district, Davide lost only in Naga and in Sibonga town, and it was because they gave Pablo John a solid vote, said Chiong.

He and his team promoted a Pablo John-Magpale tandem in the 2013 elections and both won in Naga.

Chiong said the rest of the Alayon camp, with the Gullases as head, is now supporting Davide. Chiong, though, said they would not side with the Liberal Party just yet.

In the 2013 elections and in past national polls, Alayon linked up with the Nacionalista Party of former Senator Manny Villar.

In the same SONA, Chiong declared that he is no longer seeking a higher post when his term ends in 2016.

He said he may only run for vice mayor if his brother Boy Chiong would decline the post. Chiong’s daughter Christine is being groomed to replace him. (FREEMAN)