Ex-vice mayor supports LP; Alayon not surprised

CEBU, Philippines - Former Talisay City vice mayor Lani Abarquez has endorsed the Liberal Party in the city, which is headed by mayoralty candidate Johnny delos Reyes but the Alayon Party, headed by first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, is not surprised at all by the endorsement.

Abarquez resigned from office in 2010, months after migrating to Australia.

“We are not surprised by the endorsement,” Alayon party campaign manager Ricthel Bacaltos said.

Bacaltos said the former vice mayor will surely endorse the LP candidates because her sister is the wife of vice mayoralty candidate and incumbent city councilor Romeo Villarante.

Bacaltos describes the Abarquez clan as divided, in view of the fact that some of its members are allied with the administration bloc such as barangay Tabunok Councilor Niño Rabaya, barangay Tanke Councilor Rey Abarquez, and Antonio “Jojo” Bacaltos Jr.

Rey Abarquez is the nephew of former Talisay municipal town mayor and Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Leoncio Abarquez.

Abarquez is also the first cousin of former Talisay City Vice Mayor Lani Abarquez.

When Lani Abarquez resigned in 2010, Alan Bucao, who garnered the most votes among those vying for seats in the city council, took over as vice mayor. (FREEMAN)