Tatakbo ka ba? Politicians express wishes, support for clean elections

CEBU, Philippines - Local politicians, who took part in the Cebu version of “GMA’s Tatakbo Ka Ba?” all expressed their desire for clean and honest elections in 2010.

The activity, which was initiated by the giant television and radio network, was meant to promote awareness about clean elections and ended with the participants signing a manifesto for such.

In Manila, the presidential aspirants as well as other key political personalities also came to give their support. In Cebu, the race started and ended at the Cebu International Convention Center in the Mandaue Reclamation Area.

Sixth District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, who has expressed interest to seek the mayoralty of Mandaue City next year, joined the run with those who are expected to be in her slate next year.

“My presence as well as that of my group attests that we are committed to that objective and we share this concern with all the other sectors of society who were there too,” Soon-Ruiz said.

Ruiz was with Mandaue City Councilors Victor Biaño, Editha Cabahug, Noeleen Borbajo, Emiliano Rosal and councilorial aspirant Emmarie Dolores “Lollipop” Ouano-Dizon.

Ouano-Dizon, the daughter of former Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano said that she believes in the cause of the event.

“We need to have a clean and honest elections,” Ouano-Dizon said as she hope that by next year poll automation will be in place so that cheating will be eliminated especially the so-called ‘dagdag-bawas’ scheme.

Businessman Jonathan “Atan” Guardo, who is eyeing for the congressional seat of Cebu City’s South District, said that it’s nice to meet other probable candidates, who like him are also for clean and honest polls.

Another congressional aspirant, Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann de los Santos said that she is supporting the cause.

“I am confident that if money and political patronage will not be the name of the game this elections then ordinary people like me with ordinary family name will have a big chance of winning,” de los Santos said.

She has announced her intent to run for the congressional seat of the North District of Cebu City.

Rachel ‘Cutie’ del Mar, who has been anointed by her father Rep. Raul del Mar, to replace him in the North District, said that by joining, she has signified that she too is for clean elections and good governance.

Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Pontico Fortuna, who was announced to run for the seat that will be vacated by Soon-Ruiz, said he joined the event to re-affirm his commitment for an honest, clean and orderly elections and to express his solidarity with every Filipino who desires it.

Mandaue City Councilor Victor Biaño said that he joined the event to show his oneness in the mass yearning for and his personal commitment to honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Provincial Board member Victor Maambong, who is also eyeing the Sixth District congressional seat, said that he joined the fun run not because of physical exercise as it is quite strenuous but his voluntary participation was to affirm his commitment for a clean and credible political exercise that would honor the will of the people.

“In the entire stretch of the fun run I was gasping for breath, but I also contributed in breathing life to our embraced democratic creed of a government and an election for the people,” Maambong said.

Around 400 runners joined the five-kilometer fun run. Cheryl Ouano, daughter-in-law of the former Mandaue City Mayor, grabbed the first place in the female category.

She was followed by de los Santos, who finished second and Atty. Renee Chanco-Quijano finished third.

For the male category, Dandy Maturan came in first, followed by Expedito Palarka and Ricardo Lagao at second and third place, respectively.

Other politicians who were spotted in the event were Fifth District Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and his councilors Diosdado Suico and Jimmy Lumapas as well as Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Jonard Chan and Sambag I barangay captain Jerry Guardo of Cebu City.

Among the government officials present were Department of Interior and Local Government undersecretary Lito Ruiz, Comelec officials Michael Sarno and Lionel Castellano, and PNP regional director Lani-O Nerez, whose police force was awarded for being the biggest delegation with 170 participants. —Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)