Gullas: Alayon-LP coalition remains

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the denial made by Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III of his appointment as district chairman of the Liberal Party, first district Repre-sentative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said his local political party will continue to support the governor and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.

Gullas said while he does not want to engage in a “word war” with Davide, he had to insist on what he “heard” during their meeting with the governor.

“I know what I have heard,” Gullas told reporters in reaction to Davide’s denial of his appointment as LP chairman in the first district.

“Gov told me in Marco Polo saying that, Secretary Mar wants you to be the official candidate and he confirmed it,” Gullas said.

According to him, the meeting was attended by the members of Alayon Party, including its founder former first district congressman Eduardo Gullas, Provincial Board Member Peter John Calderon, Sogod Mayor Lissa Marie “Moonyen” Durano, and Santander Mayor Wilson Wenceslao.

“I highly respect the governor. We don’t want to turn it into a word war. Nothing change and our support has no condition,” Gullas said.

Gullas said his local party is in coalition with LP and they are bound to support Davide, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and Roxas.

He, however, is pushing for the declaration of a “free zone” in the district because some Alayon members will be going up against incumbent LP members and vice versa.

Davide, on Friday, said he was surprised to learn that Gullas was already designated as LP’s district chairman and was recommending before the party’s to declare the entire district a free zone.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong, who was present during Gullas and Davide’s meeting, said he also heard the governor telling the congressman about his appointment.

Chiong believes that Davide may have just been pressured by the people surrounding him, especially those claiming to be LP originals.

“Tingali, the candidates are making round and na-pressure siguro siya,” Chiong said, adding that the Alayon party remains intact.

“Dili man ingon nga wala ta nagkinahanglan og partido, kami man ang importante. We believe in our performance, our leadership with the people,” Chiong said.

Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura said they will wait for the LP decision on the matter.

“Magpaabot mi sa ilang decision. Nakabuhi naman ang Alayon og istorya ug lain pud nga bakwi-on namo ang among gipamulong,” Apura said.

Davide had a closed-door meeting with the LP members in the first district in which he was allegedly confronted over the development.

Davide reportedly promised his partymates that they will be seeking an audience with Roxas on September 10.

“Ilang giingan si Governor Davide nga kung dili maminaw si Secretary Mar nila kay adto mo-support si Mar ni Samsam, they will bolt out LP,” a source who requested anonymity said.

In 2010, Alayon supported former senator Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party and former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia against Davide.

In 2013, the Gullases supported Pablo John Garcia for governor and incumbent Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who was Davide’s running mate.— /FPL  (FREEMAN)