Losing candidate eyes barangay captain post

CEBU, Philippines - Outgoing Talisay City Councilor Celiapo Cabuenas, who lost in the race for councilor, is eyeing the barangay captain post in barangay Lagtang in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections four months from now.

"This is not goodbye for me but rather a hello - a fresh start to another chapter of my political career, perhaps to continue what I have started three years ago in my beloved barangay Lagtang," Cabuenas said during his farewell speech in last Tuesday council session.

Cabuenas, who only served for one term as city councilor, was a three-term barangay captain of Lagtang.            He is expected to challenge the incumbent barangay captain, Dindin Bas, the son of former city councilor Arturo Bas.

Cabuenas said he does not regret losing in the May 13 elections.

"I hope we will set aside politics to focus on improving our respective barangays and work together for our city's progress," he said.

Cabuenas said while he is now a private individual, he is giving his assurance to the Talisaynon that "with or without people's mandate, I truly have the big heart for service."  (FREEMAN)