Martinez is new ABC-Cebu prexy

CEBU, Philippines - Former Bogo City mayor Celestino "Tining" Martinez III, who is now barangay captain of Cayang, is the new president of the Association of Barangay Councils for Cebu province.

Martinez ran unopposed during yesterday's elections. His victory earns him a seat at the Provincial Board, replacing Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. as ex-officio member.

Holganza, the ABC president of Bantayan town, is now one of the eight members of the board of directors.

Samboan ABC president Emerito Calderon stayed as vice president, the position which he held since 2010.

“I hope I can live up to the expectation sa tanan and most especially, I hope and I look forward to a very fruitful and successful league sa umaabot nga mga tuig,” Martinez told his colleagues after the elections.

Martinez said that among his priorities is to work with the Capitol in extending assistance to typhoon victims in northern Cebu. Bogo City is one of the areas severely devastated by the typhoon.

He said that his being close to Governor Hilario Davide III, his ally in the Liberal Party, is a big factor to help the barangays. He then thanked Holganza and the rest of ABC presidents of the different component cities and municipalities for their cooperation.

Holganza, meanwhile, assured the members of the league that they are in good hands under the leadership of Martinez. He bid farewell to his colleagues in the PB during its session last Monday.

Martinez had been a councilor of the then municipality of Bogo and was mayor for three terms. He tried his hand at the congressional race for the fourth district three times but lost to Rep. Benhur Salimbangon.-(FREEMAN)