CEBU, Philippines - With Antonio Mariano "Mimo" Osmeña already out of the mayoralty race in Talisay City, former Talisay City Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza is expected to take his place.
But Belleza, during the celebration of his 52nd birthday last Saturday, did not categorically confirm or deny reports, instead quoted first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas' statement: "The light shines on everybody."
"It's too early to tell. Kay og mosulti ka nga molangsad ka, tanan nimong lakaw naay kolor," Belleza, who lost when he ran for vice mayor under the Liberal Party in the May 2010 polls, said.
But even with his denial, Belleza already has the support of friends in politics such as Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong, who, although he is with the Alayon Party, told the crowd, in his brief speech during Belleza's birthday, that he would still support him whatever position he would choose to run in 2013.
Belleza used to be with the Alayon Party until in the early 2010, when its chairman Gullas opted to field then Councilor Alan Bucao for vice mayor instead of him.
And instead of adhering to his party leader's decision, Belleza filed his certificate of candidacy as the opposition's vice mayor bet on the same day Gullas proclaimed his party's candidates in Talisay.
But while he has yet to decide, Belleza said he hopes that the "next administration" in Talisay City "would give the proper basic services" that the people deserve.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview, opposition Councilors Romeo Villarante, Danny Caballero, and Val Ylanan of the Liberal Party admitted that Mimo, who was earlier rumored to run for mayor in Talisay, has dropped his plans.
The three councilors declined to give more details regarding Osmeña's change of heart.
Villarante said, however, that they still have former Vice Mayor Lani Abarquez and Belleza to choose from, if one of them decides to run. (FREEMAN)