Gullas endorses grandson

CEBU, Philippines - Rep. Eduardo “Eddie” Gullas (Cebu, 1st District) formally announced yesterday that his eldest grandson, Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, will run for congress in the 2013 elections.

“The time has come that we have to pass on the legacy of public service to someone younger. So, the responsibility rests on to the shoulder of the eldest son of Didi — Samsam,” Rep. Gullas said.

Gullas made the announcement in a gathering of around 80 guests at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

Among those present were mayors, vice mayors and councilors of the cities of Talisay, Naga, Carcar and the towns of Minglanilla, San Fernando and Sibonga.

“I appeal to each mayors, vice mayors, councilors ug mga kapitanes, sa akong dakong pagpahiubos nga atong tabangan si Samsam Gullas,” the congressman said (Let us help Samsam Gullas.)

In his acceptance speech, Samsam said he is ready to take on the challenge and is lucky to have his grandfather as his mentor.

Samsam recalls that when his grandfather ran for public office in 1969, he did not did not have a mentor.

“Luckily, I have him. I have the best mentor you can ever ask for. Papa Eddie assured me that he will guide me every step of the way. I thought to myself, I’m ready,” Samsam said.

He thanked his “Papa Eddie” and the leaders in the district for chosing him to continue the legacy of the congressman.

“I have actually have one advantage over Papa Eddie and this is one of the reasons that I accepted the biggest challenge of my life, running for congress,” Samsam said admitting that being a grandson of the congressman an advantage.

In 2001, Rep. Gullas asked Samsam’s father, Gerard Anthony “Didi” Gullas , to run for congress but he declined. 

This prompted Rep. Gullas’s brother, Jose “Dodong” Gullas to run for congress while Eddie ran for Talisay City mayor. Didi assured all-out support for his son.

Also present during the gathering were Talisay City Councilor Gerald Anthony “Digul” Gullas III, Joselito Gullas and grandmother, Norma Selma-Gullas.

Rep. Gullas said it was the decision of the leaders and his family to field Samsam to replace him.

He said Samsam has the skills and qualities to represent the 1st district of Cebu in Congress even if he is still young.

Samsam is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Management and was a recipient of the President Arroyo leadership award.

 He is the Vice President for Finance and Administration of University of the Visayas, a school owned by the Gullas family.

He is also the administration team manager of the UV Green Lancers Basketball Team. — /MBG (FREEMAN)