PNoy to join APEC meeting here

CEBU, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is expected to be in Cebu on September 10 to join the Finance Ministers’ Meeting of the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

"Mo-attend siya sa Finance Ministers' Meeting ana. Wap-ay detalye…  the PIA will give the details of his visit in the coming days," said Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera.

Asked if the President will meet with local leaders of Liberal Party (LP) to settle some issues, Natera said the provincial government has yet to receive a copy of his official itinerary. Governor Hilario Davide III heads LP in Cebu.

Earlier, Talisay Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said the President and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will be in Cebu on that day to meet with LP’s local leaders and members.

He said the gathering will also resolve issues that have fractured the LP membership, particularly in the first district.

It can be recalled that LP members in the first district have opposed the purported naming of Representative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas as district leader, as it will reportedly displace them in the coming elections.

It was Minglanilla Mayor Lani Peña who said Roxas has appointed Gullas as LP’s district chairman. This was also echoed by some mayors of local party Alayon of which Gullas is a member.

The party holds four of six local government units in the district while LP holds two. Recently, however, Alayon leaders were seen sitting beside LP bigwigs like Aquino and Roxas.

Board Member Yayoy Alcoseba of the first district said the move has hurt them, especially San Fernando Mayor Antonio Canoy who is in "floating" mode with his plan to run against Gullas next year.

If LP welcomes Alayon to the team and allows the party to field its candidates, it is likely that LP bets will be disregarded.

Davide clarified, however, that there has been no appointment for Gullas yet, adding, that their goal is to get as many votes for Roxas as possible. –/JMO (FREEMAN)