Digul: No politics in market name

CEBU, Philippines - Politics have nothing to do with his move to initiate the naming of the new public market in Barangay Lagtang, said Talisay City Councilor Eduardo “Digul” Gullas III.

Opposition councilor Romeo Villarante said that Gullas named the market “New Talisay Public Market” to veer away from the controversies surrounding the construction of the market, which was an undertaking between his grandfather, 1st District Rep. Eduardo Gullas, and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But the young Gullas said there should be no issue in naming the market because it was never given an official name in the first place. 

“Record shows that no name has been officially given to the new public market located at Barangay Lagtang even if it was fully completed last August 29, 2011,” Digul said.

The market became controversial because many vendors said the location has deprived them of income. They reportedly earned more when they were at the old market in Tabunok.

The market became more controversial when it was being called the Gullas-Macapagal market.

The controversy started in September last year when the Talisay city government ordered the closure of the old market in Tabunok. Despite protests and legal battles waged by the vendors, the transfer to the new facility pushed through when the city decided to shut down the old market.

The ordinance was supported by Vice Mayor Alan G. Bucao, Councilor Rodolfo L. Cabigas, Councilor Dennis Basillote, Councilor Richard Francis F. Aznar, Councilor Celiapo A. Cabuenas, Councilor Bernard Joseph T. Odilao, Councilor Edward S. Alesna, Councilor Charles L. Basillote and Councilor John Carmel Burlas as co-authors.  (FREEMAN)