More Cebu politicians bolt LAMP

CEBU — The ruling Lapian ng Masang Pilipino (LAMP) continues to bleed locally following the resignation of Rep. Eduardo Gullas from the party.

The other day, it was the turn of Gullas’ former allies in the first district to bolt the party and move to Probinsiya Muna Development Initiative (Promdi) of former Gov. Lito Osmeña.

In a meeting at the White Gold House, most top officials of LAMP in the first district bolted along with their barangay heads.

Prominent among them was Talisay Mayor Socrates Fernandez who was able to bring along with him 18 of his town’s 21 barangay chairmen.

Carcar Mayor Severino Escobido also brought along some of his barangay chairmen.

In Naga, Vice Mayor Paulino Ong took along some barangay heads and Marcelino del Mar, his prospective running mate when he challenges Mayor Ferdinand Chiong in the 2001 elections.

Four barangay heads from Minglanilla town also confirmed their move to Promdi, while Nestor Ponce of Sibonga said he will run for mayor under the Promdi banner.

Former provincial board member Raul Bacaltos said he will try to regain his seat in the board under Osmeña’s party.

Fernandez, who claims to hold Gullas in high respect, said he will no longer support Gullas, but Rama.

Gullas, however, is serving his third and last term as congressman, and there is no clear indication who will take his place in the first district. — Freeman News Service