Ouanos "not united"

CEBU, Philippines - Having the Ouanos of Mandaue City in the Liberal Party (LP) is not an assurance yet that the clan will give its full support to the Davide-Magpale tandem for governor and vice governor next year.

Former Mandaue City mayor Alfredo “Pedong” Ouano said that while he will support gubernatorial aspirant Hilario Davide III and Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale, he admitted that some of their family members will not.

“Pero ang uban nako mga anak way seguro kay attached man kaayo nila sa mga Garcia, maayo unta mada nako,” said the 88-year-old Ouano. (My other children are very much attached to the Garcias, I hope I can convince them.)

Running against Davide is third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia who is reportedly considering former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV, Magpale’s cousin, as his runningmate.

Ouano attended yesterday the opening of the One Cebu Expo at the Cebu International Convention Center together with his son, Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Teddy” Ouano.

Teddy already declared his shift of alliance from the One Cebu Party of the Garcias to the LP following his father and sister, Mandaue City Councilor Emmarie “Lolipop” Ouano-Dizon, who joined Mayor Jonas Cortes of LP.

But Pedong said Teddy is still with One Cebu pending his oath before LP.

“Ang tawo di gyud nimo mahingpit nga tawo na kung di pa kabunyagan,” Pedong said. (A man won’t be complete without his baptism.)

Teddy will seek reelection next year after Pedong told him not to seek another position like congressman or vice governor. Teddy cannot also run for mayor because of their alliance with Cortes who still has another term.

The Ouanos have been allied with the Garcias in the previous elections.

Meanwhile, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy is staying with One Cebu even if he is the only mayor left with the party in the sixth district. His son, PB Member Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy, ran under LP in 2010 elections. - THE FREEMAN