Martinez ally defects to camp of Salimbangon

CEBU, Philippines - Medellin municipal mayor Ricardo Ramirez, a longtime supporter of former fourth district congressman and now Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr., has decided to shift his support to the reelection bid of incumbent Congressman Benhur Salimbangon.

Ramirez, who is seeking his second term in next year's elections, said that his transfer of support for Salimbangon is based on the latter’s big contribution to the development of his town during his two years as congressman.

The mayor admitted that during the 2007 elections, he was still in a wait and see situation but added that when Salimbangon assumed office he saw how he worked for the development of Medellin.

"Dugay na gayud kaayo nga ang lungsod sa Medellin wala makapahimulos og mga dagkong proyekto, apan sa dihang panahon na ni Congressman Salimbangon dako na gayud kaayo ug kausaban," Ramirez said.

The mayor who owns a big sugarcane plantation in his town admitted that Salimbangon made a big change in Medellin, especially in the concreting of the roads.

Ramirez said that the people of Medellin also benefited a lot from the health card program of Salimbangon that entitled every member of the family up to P10,000 when they are admitted to the hospital. He also cited the P3,000 burial assistance project of the congressman.

Likewise, Ramirez said Salimbangon also offers scholarships and trainings for short courses with the support of Technical Education Skills and Development Administration.

Presently, there are more than 2,000 scholars in the whole district, and most of them are from Medellin.

Also, the establishment of Cebu Normal University in Medellin was made possible because of the partnership between the municipal government and the office of Salimbangon. – Jose P. Sollano/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)