Cebu mayors’ threat to bolt Lakas downplayed

CEBU — Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano believes that some Cebu mayors earlier rumored to be quitting the Lakas-CMD (Christian, Muslim Democrats) party are not serious about their threat.

Ouano, designated to lead the ruling party in Cebu’s first, second, third and sixth districts during the 2004 elections, views the threat as part of the mayors’ strategy to woo President Arroyo into taking a stand on the pending House bills seeking to create three more provinces out of Cebu.

Some Cebu mayors said they were disappointed by Mrs. Arroyo’s refusal to take a stand on issues concerning the province.

Although Ouano does not consider the threat seriously, he believes that it is important to bring the matter to the attention of Mrs. Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia.

Ouano said he will also consult Bohol Gov. Erico Aumen—tado and Danao City Mayor Ramonito Du—rano III, two of the Lakas-CMD officials in the region, about the issue.

Earlier, Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante, president of the Municipal Mayors’ League-Cebu chapter, said he and his fellow mayors want to bolt the Lakas-CMD.

Vice Mayor Valdemar Chiong, who heads the Vice Mayors’ League in the province, supported the mayors’ move.

Mrs. Arroyo has repeatedly refused to comment on the split-Cebu move, saying it is a "local issue." — Freeman News Service