CEBU, Philippines – In choosing his city councilors slate in 2016 polls, Talisay City Mayor Johnny “JVR” De los Reyes said he would not hesitate to choose those with less educational attainment but willing to carry out the job and will serve the people, not the other way around.
De los Reyes, who belongs to the Liberal Party, is expected to again face off with former Cebu congressman Eduardo Gullas, who already expressed willingness to run in the mayoralty race after he lost to JVR in the 2013 elections by a slim margin of 736 votes.
The mayor will have to fill up 10 slots in the council slate, including the vice mayoralty post.
After the 2013 elections, the LP was able to fill in three seats in the council with Valeriano Ylanan, Aldin Diaz, Danilo Caballero, and the Office of the Vice Mayor with Romeo Villarante.
The Alayon party of Gullas secured seven seats in the council.
However, things did not turn out well early this year for the De los Reyes and his allies in the council after they clashed over giving authority to the mayor to enter into a proposed P387 million worth of loan intended to finance the construction of the Tabunok market.
It is not clear yet whether Diaz, Caballero, Ylanan and Villarante will be joining with De los Reyes in 2016.
“Ang akong qualification sa akong lineup kanang mangiluy-on nga tawo ug makasabot sa kabus. Energetic, kanang aksyon agad, dunay kahadlok sa Ginoo ug labaw sa tanan kanang batan-on,” De los Reyes said.
De los Reyes said he is still scouting for possible candidates to complete his list.
“If God willing, makatiwas ko sa akong three terms, I will retire at the age of 70. Lisud kaayo ning agakon nata sa atong edad if modagan pa ta,” De los Reyes said.