Paz won’t leave Liberal Party

CEBU, Philippines - While others are rushing to be identified with the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said she has no plans of leaving the Liberal Party.

The reelected mayor said she will stick it out with the LP even if her daughter, Congresswoman Aileen Radaza, has already joined PDP-Laban to be identified with Duterte.

Aileen took her oath as new member of PDP-Laban two weeks ago along with four other Cebuano congressmen. Paz said her daughter's shifting of party allegiance will not affect their local party, Team Deretso.

"I always talk with Cong. Aileen about our plans of improving the city. We always complement each other's plan for the good of our constituents," Paz said.

The Radazas used to be members of Lakas-Kampi and joined LP in 2013. The congresswoman said her decision to join PDP-Laban was a way of supporting Duterte's administration and for the interest of Lapu-Lapu City and the Oponganons.

"It is my view that the new administration under PDP- Laban has to have the support of the Congress in terms of pushing for a legislative agenda that will help in pursuing and sustaining the growth that the country is enjoying so far. For as far as my constituents are concerned, we find it to be in the best of their interest to work with this new administration and ensure that our plans and programs for Lapu-Lapu City is carried out smoothly," Aileen said.

Meanwhile, Paz will take her oath on Thursday before Judge Allan Francisco Garciano at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice.

"We invited barangay officials, department heads and representatives of the business sectors," she said.

A Mass will be held at 12 noon before her oath taking and inauguration message. All elected councilors will also take their oath before Garciano. (FREEMAN)