"Samsam" denies a Gullas dynasty is on the horizon

CEBU, Philippines - Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas yesterday denied his family is creating a political dynasty in the first district of Cebu, saying there are only his grandfather and brother in public service, and that the people were not forced to elect them.

“We don’t force them to vote for us,” said Gullas when interviewed by the media, adding that voters pick a Gullas based on performance.

Presently, there are two Gullases in politics: first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas and his grandson, Talisay City Councilor Eduardo III. Samsam, meanwhile, is reported to replace his third-term grandfather, who is also rumored to run for Talisay City mayor, in Congress next year.

Samsam’s defense came after opposition Councilor Romeo Villarante called for the opposition team to block the Gullases’s purported intention to create a political dynasty in the first district.

Villarante said his party-mates have been gathering support to stop this alleged intention of the Gullases.

The 27-year-old Gullas said if their critics had only known how the Gullas family works for the people, they would not make allegations.

And besides, it is the leaders and the people that pick a Gullas or two to lead them, which means that their being in government positions are due to the people’s mandate, he said.  (FREEMAN)