JVR, Gullas camps to come together?

CEBU, Philippines - Their families were rivals in the last May elections but for Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes's son, that is water under the bridge and that the focus now should be on the city's growth.

City administrator John Eyre delos Reyes said he is interested to the possibility of reaching out to first district Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas. 

"Willing gani ako moduol og una ni Congressman Samsam kay ever since wap-a gyud mi nagkahimamat," he said.

John Eyre, 32, said he believes he and the 28-year-old congressman can get along well considering they almost are in the same age bracket.

John Eyre's statement came after it was reported that his family was said to be "allergic" to the Gullases.

"It's not true nga allergic among pamilya sa mga Gullas. Dili gyud na tinuod," he said.

He said his father-mayor is even happy that Samsam is pouring projects into the city.

He, however, dispelled allegations that they were claiming the congressman's projects, saying they had no idea there are also similar projects in a certain place.

For this reason, he plans to approach the young congressman to talk to him about certain matters most specially those that will benefit the city.

"Mas nindot gani nga nitabang gyud si Congressman Samsam sa Talisay. Buhong kaayo ang Talisay," he said.

Now, four months after the mid-term elections, John Eyre said, "we should all move on now," referring to all those who wish to drive a wedge between his family and the Gullases.

He said if they are "allergic" to the Gullas name, those who supported him in the last elections would not have been rehired when the new administration assumed office.

He said even department heads appointed during former Mayor Socrates Fernandez's time are still in their places.

He said even the staff of Councilor Eduardo Gullas III, Samsam's younger brother, can now visit his office with confidence when in the past they were reluctant to do so.

The city administrator said the new administration is also helping the Gullas-allied councilors by giving them 50 job order quotas each, proof that the mayor has also embraced them.

"Let's move on, mana man ang election. Service na sad para sa Talisay," he said.

For his part, Nacionalista Party (in coalition with Gullas' Alayon) legal panel member lawyer Paterno Acabodillo, in a separate interview, said he is also "hopeful" that the two camps unite.

"With Divine intervention magka-unite na unta hopefully. It is important if we want Talisay to grow," he said. (FREEMAN)