Diamante plans to form local party in 3rd district

CEBU, Philippines — Tuburan Mayor Democrito "Aljun" Diamante, who openly expressed that he will run for congressman in the Third District of Cebu, is planning to form a local party exclusive in the district.

He said the party will be for the betterment of the district and it will have a framework like that of Alayon in the First District and Bakud in the Fifth District.

The Third District is composed of the towns of Aloguinsan, Asturias, Balamban, Barili, Pinamungajan, Tuburan, and Toledo City.

Diamante admitted that he met with political leaders of the district regardless of their national party affiliation.

Diamante said the plan to form a party is still on its consultative phase and they do not have a name yet.

In a video call, former Provincial Board member Gigi Sanchez confirmed that she is one of those who met with Diamante but she refused to give more details. She also did not reveal the names of those who attended the meeting.

She confirmed that she is not running against Diamante who is “like a brother” to her.

“I have looked up to Mayor Aljun like a brother to me. Suod kaayu na higala siya sa akong father, ug kauban sad mi sa distrito. Nag-istorya mi mayor Aljun na dili na mahitabo na mag-atbang mi dri sa distrito,” she said.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that she was also invited to the meeting last Tuesday night but she was not able to make it because she had to attend to other important matters.

Magpale also confirmed that she met with Mar Roxas and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña last Sunday night but she denied that it was a political meeting. She said it was just a private and social gathering.

Roxas was in Cebu to visit Osmeña Peak and the flower farm in Dalaguete town. — MBG (FREEMAN)