More BOPK captains back sale of SRP lots

CEBU, Philippines - More allies of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan are virtually on a collision course with former Cebu City congressman Tomas Osmeña for supporting the sale of South Road Properties

Nine BOPK-allied barangay captains and a barangay councilman visited Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella yesterday to be apprised of the benefits that their respective barangay will get from the proceeds of the sale.

Labella said he did not know who invited the barangay officials to come over but he was happy to learn that all of them were interested and support it.

“Nangayo sila og explanation sa SRP kay gusto silang makasabot unya nalipay ko kay they have an objective mind,” Labella said.

“They are very happy and positive kay it will bring about more employment opportunities for our people in the City of Cebu (including their barangay),” he added.

Those who visited Labella and expressed their approval to the sale of SRP lots are Barangay Captains Cesar Dolorito (Babag), Lucresia Gabato (Tabunan), Gremar Barete (Buhisan), Harry Eran (Cogon Pardo), Rodrigo Jabellana (Bulacao), Antonio Caruzca (Pahina San Nicolas), Jeffrey Navarro (Kinasang-an), Abraham Desamparado (San Nicolas Proper), Julius  Guioguio (Pasil Abuno) and councilman Rannie Abejo (Pasil).

“Nalipay ko nga ania sila, transcending nga ingon tang political affiliation nga miduol sila nato. Pero kon unsa ang sunod nila nga buhaton, kana wala ko kahibaw, ang importante nanganhi sila para mosulti sa ilang problema ug mahatagan nato og tabang sa ilang barangay,” Labella said.

Navarro said he did not know who initiated it, but he is also interested to listen on what would be the benefits his constituents will get if the SRP will be sold.

“Nangadto lang gyud mi nga wala’y pamolitika. Gusto pud namo masulti among mga problema sa barangay nga kinahanglang masulbad,” he said, adding that they did not consult Osmeña about it since they believe nothing was political in it.

Some of the problems raised by the barangay officials were road widening, vehicle allocation, drainage system, among others.

“Naa pa daw laing moanhi nga mangayo sab daw og assistance para maaksyonan ang problema sa ilang barangay..willing ko kon gusto nila nga kita ang moadto nila ug abli ra gyud akong opisina kon moanhi man sila,” Labella said.

Labella said that City Councilors Gerardo Carillo, Nendell Hanz Abella and Philip Zafra were also present during the meeting.

“Kining serbisyo, once mapili ta kalimtan usa nato ang political affiliation kay under the democratic processes, you are chosen to serve the majority, not just the majority but the entire constituency. Mao gyud unta na ang atong ibutang sa atong hunahuna,” Labella said.

At least 16 BOPK-allied barangay captains and three councilmen are already supporting the sale of SRP lots. The other Barangay Captains are Orlan Herrera (Guba), Maria Velasquez (Pulangbato), Nerissa Antolihao (Budlaan) Zenaida Colina (Bacayan), Manny Pepito (Mabini), Casimiro Pilones (Paril) and Winefredo Macario (Sudlon 2).

The two other Councilmen are Nerio Pador (Tabunan) and Reynante Bacarisas (Babag ).

A manifesto was signed by at least 20 barangay captains in August 21 supporting the sale of the SRP lots.  (FREEMAN)