LMP officials back Dino

CEBU, Philippines - Various chapters of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in the Visayas have signed a manifesto of support to the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and his appointment of Michael Lloyd Dino as presidential assistant for the Visayas.

 The manifesto was signed by LMP's national president Leonardo Javier Jr. of Leyte and LMP Visayas cluster vice president Democrito Diamante Jr. of Tuburan, Cebu.

Other signatories are Mayors Gene Fuentes of Aklan, Dante Bermejo of Capiz, Niel Tupas III of Iloilo, Jonathan Tan of Antique and Cresente Chavez Jr. of Guimaras in Region 6.

Mayors David Albert Lacson and Bentham dela Cruz of the Negros Island Region. Mayor Dean Villa of Siquijor in Region 7, and Emiliana Villacarillo of Eastern Samar, Roberto Loquinte of Southern Leyte and Percival Ortillo Jr. of Samar in Region 8.

The signing of the manifesto was upon the initiative of Diamante. Most of those who signed are members of the Liberal Party.

Dino's appointment was earlier opposed by a group of Cebuanos who campaigned for Duterte.

 Those who opposed the appointment suggested that for nominees from the business sector, there should be a written and published disclosure of business interests and dealings with the government.

 Dino, however, was also supported by prominent individuals like incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Melanie Ng, Norkis Group chairman Norberto Quisumbing Jr. and former Cebu governor Emilio "Lito" Osmeña.

 But Cebu City Mayor-elect Tomas  Osmeña has criticized Dino's appointment citing alleged conflict of interest. Dino is the executive vice president of the Fifth Avenue Property Development Corporation which partnered with the Cebu province in the Ciudad Project.

The project, however, did not push through because of the strong opposition from the city government. The city government was concerned of the project's effect to traffic along the Banilad-Talamban corridor. (FREEMAN)