7 barangay captains transfer to Team Rama

CEBU, Philippines - At least seven upland barangay captains in Cebu City’s north district, who ran in the previous elections under the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, have vowed allegiance to Team Rama of Mayor Michael Rama.

But the move did not surprise the BOPK founder, former congressman and mayor Tomas Osmeña.

“That (transfer) already happened almost two years ago. They only made it appear as a latest development. That is their counter propaganda,” said Osmeña in an interview yesterday.

“Anyway, these barangays are small and not solid for Rama,” he said.

Osmeña said the seven barangay leaders decided to transfer to the other party out of fear, as Rama has been providing them projects.

Team Rama has recently lost one of its allies, Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos, to the BOPK.

Delos Santos was the former barangay captain of Lahug, which delivered a big number of votes in the north district.

In the Association of Barangay Council’s conference yesterday, the barangay captains of Budlaan, Bacayan, Pulangbato, Sirao, Guba, Mabini and Paril expressed their support to Rama, who is seeking reelection next year.

Of the city’s 80 barangays, 31 are mountain villages, 17 of which comprise the north district.

With 10 other barangay captains, Team Rama is confident of the support from the entire slate of the mountain villages in the north district.

Tinago barangay captain Joel Garganera, the ABC vice president, defended the city mayor during the consultative meeting, saying that the most excellent governance is best shown in its performance.

Garganera, amid allegations from the opposing party, said Rama only gave what is due to the barangay officials, treating them equally and offering them basic services regardless of their political affiliation.

Although he recognized Barangay Lahug as a powerful ground, Garganera said BOPK should not belittle the number of votes that uphill barangays contribute.

Rama, in response, was elated by the support.

“I am proud of what they had pronounced since this indicates conviction, steadfastness and utmost resolve to support our team,” he said, foreseeing that over 60 percent of the barangay captains in the city will back Team Rama.

In October 2013, Rama gained the upper hand in the proxy war with Osmeña after 41 Team Rama's allies won in the barangay polls. —  (FREEMAN)