Tumulak leaves Team Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Citing the "chaotic" political state in the city, Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak has left the Team Rama to become independent.

"Tungod sa kasamok lang g'yud sa politika sa syudad sa Sugbo. It's unfair also for the Cebuanos nga ato pang i-prolong ang agony on politics dinhi sa Cebu City. We have to move on. We have to show the people in the City of Cebu nga we are elected and we can perform well on what is good for the city," said Tumulak in a press conference at his office yesterday.

Tumulak said he decided to become independent after hearing the same sentiments from the public during his recent visits to the barangays.

He clarified that his decision has nothing to do with President Rodrigo's announcement that former mayor Michael Rama, the leader of Team Rama, is a drug protector.

He also denied getting an offer from Mayor Tomas Osmeña's party Bando Osmeña Purok Kauswagan as he clarified that his closed-door meeting with Osmeña's wife, Councilor Margarita, last Wednesday was just to know the mayor's plan for the city.

"It's my duty also to know kay siya as a mayor, it's high time pud the Cebuanos would know what are the plans of the mayor nga ika-support sad nako as elected city official nga makaayo pud sa city," he said.

The councilor further expressed that he is open to any tasks Osmeña will give him in the implementation of the projects for the city as long as these are justifiable.

Aside from his family, Tumulak said his pronouncement may shock other Team Rama allies, including Rama, as he welcomes any move withdrawing his committee chairmanship.

Tumulak heads the council committee on public order and safety and committee on health, hospital services and sanitation.

By being independent, Tumulak said he will no longer join any Team Rama gatherings but vowed to still attend caucus meetings, depending on the agenda.

Team Rama members Councilors Raymond Garcia and Pastor "Jun" Alcover said they could not believe Tumulak's decision.

"I cannot make a right comment without hearing it from the horse's mouth kay dili ko katuo," Garcia said.

On the other hand, Councilor Joey Daluz III said, "I wish him well. Good luck."

For his part, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he will consult the matter with other Team Rama members.

Sought for his comment, Tomas on his Facebook post said he did not ask Tumulak to leave Team Rama but appreciates the effort.

With Tumulak now independent, he will no longer take his oath as new PDP-Laban member this Saturday along with 65 barangay captains and eight councilors of Team Rama.

 "Because of the so much vigilante killings, extrajudicial killing, dili na nako ma-afford nga grabe na, 'nya moadto ko didto for the sake of political party, no way," he said. (FREEMAN)