Toledo City captains back Garcia-Ruiz poll tandem

CEBU, Philippines - Majority of the barangay captains of Toledo City have pledged theirsupport to One Cebu gubernatorial bet Winston Garcia and his runningmate, Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

This was announced by One Cebu vice mayoralty bet and incumbentCouncilor Ricardo "Kuya Bick" Pepito. He said more than 30 of 38 barangay captains, who are supporting different mayoralty candidates in the city, are backing up Garcia and Ruiz.

Pepito said he also get the same support from majority of the barangay officials regardless of whom they are supporting for mayor. There are three candidates for mayor in Toledo City — Mayor John Henry "Sonny" Osmeña, Councilor James Gaite, and Aurelio Espinosa.

Both Osmeña and Espinosa are running independent but are perceived to be sympathetic to One Cebu. Gaite on the other hand is running under Liberal Party.

Garcia is set to grace the launching and proclamation rally of Team Asenso Toledo led by Espinosa and Pepito this morning.

The team is composed of One Cebu and independent candidates. They areformer vice mayor Arlene Zambo, Councilor Eric Espinosa, formerProvincial Board Member Caesar  Ian Zambo, former councilor Louie Espinosa, Jun Mercado, Teresito Largo, Mhai-Mhai Mendoza, and Billy Omayan.

Aside from Toledo City, the barangay captains in San Fernando have also united to support Garcia and Ruiz.

San Fernando Councilor Alfonso Donaire, the president of the town's Association of Barangay Councils, earlier said that the unity ofbarangay captains in supporting one candidate for governor is considered historic for the town.

He said 20 of 21 barangay captains are one in supporting Garcia and Ruiz. They are leaders of the rival Reluya and Canoy camps. —/FPL (FREEMAN)