CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and former first district representative Eduardo Gullas both denied having met each other in a gathering with investors that allegedly have offered to finance the demolition of the Tabunok public market and build in its stead a three-story market building.
De los Reyes denied he and Gullas met with investors at the Tabunok and Lagtang public markets.
He said he went to these markets with the investors but not with Gullas.
He confirmed that investors have proposed to provide the capital for the construction of a new market building.
On the other hand, Gullas denied having met with the mayor last Thursday afternoon.
“Walay opportunity nga makasulti mi labaw pa nga magkakuyog. I don’t think Mayor JVR needs my help because he can go straight to the president as far as the funding for the market is concerned,†Gullas said.
Gullas clarified that De los Reyes has not called him ever since.
He said he was at meetings the whole morning of Thursday and at Casino Español in the afternoon.
He said he even does not remember having shaken De los Reyes’ hand at the wake of city Councilor Socrates Fernandez’s wife.
It was one of Gullas’ companions at the wake who told the former congressman that he had shaken JVR’s hand.
Some vendors doubt Gullas and JVR would ever become allies.
Nora Dadula Carlos, president of the vendors association at the Tabunok market, said she couldn’t tell who was with JVR when he visited the market last Thursday afternoon.
She said the election is over and JVR may have set aside politics if he had met with Gullas.
Marivic Lasquete, vice president of the fish section association, said she doesn’t believe JVR will join Alayon, Gullas’ party. (FREEMAN)