Zambo eyes mayoralty post in Toledo City

CEBU, Philippines — It’s going to be a Zambo-Espinosa-Zambo in Toledo City’s mayoralty and vice mayoralty under the banner of “Team Sulbong Toledo.”

This, after former Cebu Provincial Board member Caesar Ian Geronimo “Ian” Zambo is set to run for mayor, with former mayor and vice mayor Arlene “Dydee” Espinosa Zambo as his running mate in next year’s midterm elections.

The two, who are both incumbent city councilors, are the standard bearers of the newly formed “Team Sulbong Toledo.”

Zambo, who maintained being the first councilor in all his terms and with his more than 30 years of being in politics, said it is his most opportune time to lead Toledo City.

“I believe that my experiences and track record in public service can lead Toledo City to where it must be going, soaring high (Sulbong), like providing the best health and hospital services and improved potable water supply in every household,” he said in a statement.

Zambo said that he will prioritize basic services like water supply, including a quality hospital.

He also said that he will likewise work on the standardization of the Toledo City workforce, which should coincide with Toledo’s assumption as a first-class city next year.

Espinosa-Zambo, on the other hand, has also served Toledo as a former three-term mayor and a one-term vice mayor with her father, former mayor Aurelio “Rudy” Espinosa.

“I will be a good balance for Ian. I believe that his political will to implement positive changes can make Toledo soar so much higher,” Espinosa-Zambo said, in the same statement.

Team Sulbong Toledo’s slate, she said, are “carefully chosen individuals” who “represent vital sectors of the community.”

They are barangay captains Jonathan “Atan” Sepada (Biga) and Richie “RJ” Rafols (Tubod); barangay councilors Constantino “Babes” Lopez (Don Andres Soriano) and Chester Canoy (Poblacion); Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman Rodstell “Moymoy” Alferez Poloyapoy (Barangay Poblacion); resort owner Rodrigo Sobremonte; construction and real estate developer Vivian Agustines Mendrez, and City Health Officer Bonito Zanoria.

They are set to file their Certificates of Candidacy on October 8, the last day of filing set by the Commission on Elections. — Kristin De Dios