Two opposition groups in Lagtang?

CEBU, Philippines - It appears there are two groups in barangay Lagtang, Talisay City that will compete for votes against the group purportedly endorsed by the administration on October 28.

Former Talisay City Councilor Semy Cabuenas is back to regain the top seat in Lagtang he left behind when he ran for city councilor in 2010.

He will be fighting against incumbent barangay captain Dindin Bas, a former colleague and ally.

But Cabuenas, who failed to be reelected as city councilor last May, was not supposed to run against Bas, but because the latter challenged him, he changed his mind.

“Dugay ko naka-decision, nagtuo gani ang mga tawo nga di ko modagan but ilaan kong gihagit. Ig pangampanya, pangutan-on sila sa mga tawo asa ko, ingnun man nila nga di nako modagan kay pildi na,” Cabuenas said, referring to the early campaigning that Bas and his group allegedly did.

He said Bas’ camp’s dropping his daughter Ghea, who was second councilwoman, was what also triggered him to change his mind and that it was only a few weeks ago when he changed his mind.

Cabuenas is bringing into his slate one incumbent, his daughter Ghea, while Bas has two relectionists: Chito Lapera and Danilo Fernandez.

But while Cabuenas, who served as barangay captain for eight years, is confident on being elected again as barangay captain “if no vote-buying is involved,” he admitted the administration’s bet Gilbert dela Cerna is also a force to reckon with especially that he has the backing of Mayor Johnny delos Reyes.

But Cabuenas said as long as Alayon Party (of the opposition) stalwart former Congressman Eduardo Gullas (first district) is suppor-ting him, he believes his road to election will be smooth-sailing.

“Didto nako ni Sir Eddie two weeks ago ug nisaad na siya nako nga ang mga Gullas molayo nako,” he said. He said Bas, being also an Alayon member, may get the former congressman’s endorsement, but that will already be immaterial consi-dering that he was an Alayon bet first. (FREEMAN)