CEBU, Philippines - The local party of One Cebu-Democracy of the Independent Liberal Conservative in Liloan remains strong amidst the defection of Vice Mayor Lucelito Pilapil from the party and transfer to the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya Party of the fifth district.
This is according to Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco after Pilapil took his oath as member of the Durano-led BAKUD Party. Pilapil will reportedly be running for mayor in the 2016 elections.
“We have the unrelenting support of all eight of our municipal councilors, more than a majority of the barangay captains, and most importantly, all Liloanons who have felt the gains of this administration,” Frasco said.
Frasco said as early as May 2015, Pilapil committed to run for vice mayor under the One Cebu-DILC since he is eligible for two more terms.
However, in June 2015, Frasco said he was informed by their trusted leaders of the vice mayor’s change of loyalty.
Frasco said he kept his door open for Pilapil to inform him personally about his change of heart but it did not happen.
“Sa una nako’ng pagdagan niadtong 2007, ako siya’ng giimbitar sa amo’ng partido ug nag-uban mi sa ako’ng tulo ka termino. Tungod kay ang akong tuyo ang pagpanerbisyo, layo sa ako’ng hunahuna ang pamolitika. Beyond the lines of politics, I always considered Vice Mayor Lito a friend, so I thank him for his support in the past, and I wish him well,” said Frasco.
He added that now, they can begin the search for a candidate to run for the position of vice mayor of Liloan under One Cebu-DILC.
Frasco is on his last term as mayor and his wife, lawyer Christina Garcia-Codilla Frasco, is rumored to run for mayor. Codilla-Frasco is the daughter of former governor and now third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia.
“Amo pa gi-finalize ang line-up considering the latest news of the Vice Mayor’s defection,” added Frasco.
BAKUD Party president, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Red” Durano VI, said Pilapil is a strong candidate for mayor in Liloan whose incumbent mayor is the only non-BAKUD party member in the entire fifth district.
“Medyo sa Liloan wala kaayo ta maglisud pagpangita og kandidato,” Durano said.
In 2013 elections, BAKUD-Liberal Party alliance fielded Catarman barangay captain Jimmy Maglasang for mayor against Frasco. —/ATO (FREEMAN)