Mayor wants Pam’s daughter for Congress

CEBU, Philippines — Balamban Mayor Edwin "Amos" Cabahug publicly floated Cebu Provincial Capitol consultant Dr. Elisse Nicole "Nikki" Catalan as a potential candidate for Cebu's 3rd District congressional seat, but the governor’s daughter immediately dismissed the suggestion, saying she has no plans to enter politics.

Cabahug made the remarks during Governor Pamela Baricuatro's visit to Balamban on Wednesday for the inauguration of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Barangay Gaas and the launch of the provincial feeding program at Jose Chona Jo Elementary School in Barangay Cambuhawe.

While thanking the provincial government for its continued support through infrastructure projects and funding assistance,

Cabahug singled out Catalan for her role in improving healthcare services in the municipality, particularly her assistance in the development of the town hospital.

He then urged residents to pray that Catalan would one day serve Cebu's 3rd District as its representative.

"Magpatabang ko ninyo og ampo ha nga unta puhon-puhon mausab ug lamdagan unta sa atong Panginoong Diyos ang huna-huna ug kasingkasing ni Doktora Nikki nga mo-serbisyo sa atong District III," said Cabahug.

"Ako ra ning pangagpas ha nga unta modagan ni siya pagka-congresswoman," he added.

Cabahug said he believes Catalan has the qualities needed to become an effective representative, describing her as approachable and responsive to the concerns of local government units. He also expressed confidence that funds allocated to the district would be properly managed and directed to programs that would benefit constituents should she win the post.

Catalan, however, quickly downplayed the endorsement.

"I think sungog ra jud to ni Mayor Amos. Wala jud ko, oy, plans," Catalan told The Freeman.

She said her focus remains on public health, emphasizing that there is still much to accomplish in improving healthcare services across Cebu Province.

"Daghan pa kaayo'g trabahoon on healthcare. I'm very happy on my role as consultant," she said.

Catalan serves as public health consultant to the Cebu Provincial Government under the administration of her mother.

A medical doctor, she earned her degree from Cebu Doctors' University, completed her internship at the Philippine General Hospital, and later obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Although Cabahug's remarks have sparked early speculation over the 2028 elections in Cebu's 3rd District, Catalan maintained that she has no intention of seeking elective office and will continue to focus on strengthening the province's healthcare programs.-- FPL (CEBU NEWS)