Dave: I’m still in race for mayor

CEBU, Philippines —  Councilor Dave Tumulak has denied rumors that he is backing out from Cebu City's mayoralty race.

Tumulak, an independent candidate, said there is no truth to it and that he is determined to provide Cebu City residents a better alternative. Despite admitting he has no match to the political machineries of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) and the coalition of Partido Barug-PDP Laban, Kusug, and Panaghiusa, Tumulak said he will never back down from any political battle.

 A graduating councilor from the south district, Tumulak is up against two political giants of Cebu City—incumbent Mayor Michael Rama and former first councilor Margot Osmeña. He used to be a member of both political camps before he became independent.

 “Dunay nanggawas nga mga chismis nga ako daw kay moatras kung magkaduol na ang eleksyon. Kana kay usa ka dakong bakak. Dili intawn na tinood. Wa ko'y hagit nga akong giatrasan,”Tumulak said via Facebook Live.

Despite the challenges his political campaign has encountered, Tumulak said he will never surrender. He also denied being a decoy fielded by former mayor Tomas Osmeña to split the votes of the administration.

“Dunay mga nanggawas nga mga istorya nga gipadagan kuno ko sa kanhi mayor, Tommy Osmeña. Kana dili na tinood," Tumulak said.

There were also people sowing intrigues that he was fielded by Rama which he likewise denied.

“Duna pu'y nanggawas nga mga istorya nga ako kuno kandidato sa incumbent Mayor Michael Rama. Kana usa ka dakong bakak," Tumulak said.

According to Tumulak, he is no candidate of anyone but the people of Cebu City.

“Dili ko kandidato ni bisan kinsa lamang, apan kandidato ko sa labing gamhanan, ang katawhan sa dakbayan sa Sugbo,” Tumulak said.

He also clarified that he does not consider Rama and Osmeña as his opponents since they have the same purpose of serving the people of Cebu City. Tumulak said his decision to offer himself as an alternative candidate was borne out of his genuine concern for public service. He wants the public to experience a new brand of leadership the city residents have yet to experience.

“Suwayi ninyo si Dave Tumulak di ba makita ninyo ang tinuod nga kausaban,” he said.

Before he entered politics, Tumulak was radio and television reporter for ABS-CBN regional station. He was barangay captain of Basak-Pardo before he was elected city councilor.

He founded Basak-Pardo Emergency Rescue (BPER) that is now among the active emergency responders in the city. Tumulak believes that his wide exposure on disaster response and rescue operations as well as in peace and order would better equip him to manage the city as its chief executive. — FPL (FREEMAN)