Ong grateful over Rama’s endorsement for ABC

CEBU, Philippines — Incumbent Cebu City Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) president Franklyn Ong has expressed his gratitude for Mayor Michael Rama’s endorsement in his reelection bid.

Ong, the unopposed reelected barangay captain of Kasambagan, said there has been no prior talk between the two of them over this matter yet.

No final date and venue yet for the election of the new set of officers of the LnB, also known as the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC),-Cebu City Chapter but Ong said yesterday through the city's Sugboanon channel that it may be anytime next month.

It would be secret balloting with the positions to be voted being the president, vice-president and auditor, Ong said.

Ong also said that while he has already expressed his intentions to run anew, but said, he cannot also stop anyone from running against him.

“This is a free country, we cannot stop anybody from running this position but I’m very thankful with the endorsement of Mayor Mike Rama,” said Ong, the sitting ex-officio member of the City Council.

Ong said he only learned about Rama’s support for him after the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30, 2023.

Ong is happy to know that Rama saw his dedication and passion in his work as the LnB president and would like to continue the projects and plans that he has in mind for the LnB.

Ong also supports the city’s Singapore-like vision and more.

He shared without comparing the other mayors he had worked with in the past, he and Rama have some things in common how the work is done.

Ong also supports the need to have more districts and barangays to have a more efficient delivery of services to the people as well as on the aspect on peace and order and garbage problem of the city.

“Mas maayo gyud nga kanang mga dagko nga barangay buk-on kay mas ma-personally touched gyud sa mga barangay officials,” Ong said.

“We are good for additional congressional district because our population is getting bigger. Other places now are putting more districts because you will have more budget, projects from the congressman, nindot gyud kaayo na siya,” Ong added.