Ramirez declines Yogi's running mate offer

CEBU,  Philippines —  Sto. Nino Brgy. Captain Lourdes  "Lulu" Ramirez has turned down former customs commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz as runningmate for the mid-term elections next year.

She made this clarification after her photo with Ruiz surfaced online after being posted by Ruiz’s supporters.

In an interview with The Freeman, Ramirez admitted being asked by mayoral aspirant Ruiz to be his runningmate.

She said she begged off, mainly due to financial concerns.

“Di gyud na nako mada mag-vice mayor. Di makaya sa akong powers…. First of all, asa man intawon ko'g budget uy?” Ramirez said.

She said Ruiz tried to convince her to accept, but she was firm with her decision to remain serving in the barangay.

“Ako na siya giingnan, 'Sir Yogi, di gyud na nako makaya.' Giingnan ko niyag, 'Sige na.' Pero niana ko'g 'dili lang gyud ko, lisod kaayo',” Ramirez said,  fully aware that election campaign entails a lot of financial resources.

She, however, said that if it’s for city councilor, she may give it another look. As of the moment, she is content serving the people of Brgy. Sto.Niño.

“Magpabilin lang kos atong barangay…and mopadayon og serbisyo sa atong barangay.... Manglimpyo lang ta…. Ang akong pagserbisyo sa barangay gikan gyud na sa akong kasingkasing,” she said.

Aside from Ruiz, Ramirez said, no one else has tried to include her in their elections lineup.

For now, only Ruiz and City Councilor Nestor Archival had clearly announced their intention to run as mayor of Cebu City.

Archival will be running alongside former mayor Tomas Osmeña as runningmate.

Mayor Mike Rama, who is serving a six-month preventive suspension, earlier expressed his intention to run again, but some sources said that with his preventive suspension and current political pressure, he might not run for re-election.

Liga ng mga Barangay-Cebu City Chapter President and Ex-officio City Councilor Franklyn Ong is also currently being floated by supporters to run as mayor, with acting Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros as his vice mayor.

This, however, has no official confirmation yet from their respective camps.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and Metro Cebu Water District Board of Directors Chairman Jose "Joey" Daluz III are also contemplating on running for mayor, but their runningmates are not yet identified.(CEBU NEWS)