Dave skips ‘grand rally,’ seeks volunteers

CEBU, Philippines —  Unlike his fellow aspirants, Cebu City mayoral candidate Councilor David Tumulak will not hold a grand rally.

Tumulak said aside from not having enough resources for such big event, he does not want to be the cause of heavy traffic and a possible COVID-19 transmission among the attendees.

“In regards to the concerts and other gatherings, wala gyud ta ana. Kay honestly, we are not capable of. Second is I don’t want to create more traffic and di sad nako sad ibutang sa alanganin ang atong mga katawhan kay COVID is in the air,” said Tumulak.

Tumulak said he will instead focus on barangay visits for his campaign.

“I would rather, unahon nako ang mga tawo. Barangay visits ang atong gihimo karon,” he said.

The councilor is also looking for volunteers to serve as poll watchers in the upcoming May 9, 2022 elections.

Poll watchers are persons assigned (as by a political party or candidate) to observe activities at a polling place to guard against illegal voting, fraudulent counting of ballots, and other violations of election laws.

“I’m open to individuals who are offering themselves as watchers… Wa man gyud tay capability ana gyud kay can you imagine watcher, P1,600,” said Tumulak.

An independent candidate, Tumulak admitted that when it comes to resources, there is not that much to pay for the services of the poll watchers.

“Wala na ko’y ikahatag. Naglisod gani ta sa atong kampanya karon. Luckily, naay mga tawo nga nitabang,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tumulak disclosed that many volunteered to join the paralegal team that would also help him during the election day.

“We are thankful sa atoang mga volunteers, pool of volunteers, naghinubra na hinuon ang atoang mga paralegal. Ang atong paralegal team, rest assured nga ang tanan nga mga voting places will be properly guarded,” he said.

Despite the lack of resources, Tumulak is positive that his supporters will always have his back and that their efforts will pay off come election day.

“We urge our supporters to help us more in (our) campaign. Even though wala tay mga resources, but their effort, I know, mahatagan na og katumanan by the time sa May 9 na atong makuha,” said Tumulak. — JMD (FREEMAN)