Mayor belies party collapse; solon lauded for ‘good work’

CEBU, Philippines - Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña denied reports that the Alayon group in the town have disintegrated ahead of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2016 polls.

"We are still intact and we are even ready for the filing of COCs and the election period," Peña said. He added those who are responsible for such "falsehood" are from their political opponents.

According to reports that have floated, majority of Peña's councilors have reportedly separated from him and jumped to the rival's wagon. Even barangay captains have reportedly lost their trust and confidence on Peña.

But the first-term mayor said he could prove that the Alayon in Minglanilla is still together and "even more stronger" with the recruitment of personalities who he described as "capable of doing public service."

Peña said out of 19 barangays, 13 manifested support to them.

The incumbent mayor wants to be re-elected with the current Vice Mayor Jojo Selma. Their 2016 lineup will include incumbent councilors Jong Adlawan; Roy Nacario; Jerry Canares; Jimmy Gumeran and the newly recruited Alex Abadinas, a retired police general; Frus Laput, principal of University of the Visayas; Dodong Gituavan and Edwin Quiapo, who are barangay chairmen of Tunghaan and Tungkop, respectively.

It will be a three-cornered fight for the mayoralty position in Minglanilla. Peña's challenger will be former vice mayor Marlo Canada and businessman Alex Canares.

Meanwhile, Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said he is happy for having a congressman in the first district who is "too industrious."

Chiong, in an interview, said he saw the work attitude of Representative Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, especially in his city. He said aside from Gullas' work as legislator, the congressman is also visiting barangays to check on their concerns.

The first-time congressman is seeking for re-election next year. Gullas' possible opponent will be Mayor Antonio Canoy of San Fernando.

Canoy, for his part, has been visiting barangays after he announced his plan to run in the first district. Canoy wanted to run for congressman in 2013 but backed off and chose instead to run as municipal mayor.

 "I was not ready during that time but for now I think so," Canoy said. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News