Urban poor group backs Team Rama

CEBU, Philippines - A week after Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) received a backing from an urban poor group, Team Rama was yesterday endorsed by a different federation of urban poor.

Urban Poor Solidarity Federation (UPSFED), who claimed a membership of 300 associations in Cebu City, expressed their support for Mayor Michael Rama's party.

"Our decision is voluntary.  We were not approached by the party to ask for our endorsement," UPSFED secretary Evangeline Abejo told The Freeman adding that close to a thousand members showed up yesterday.

She added that the federation solidified its planned endorsement three days ago, practically in reaction to BOPK support from Alliance of Peoples Organization Working for the Empowerment and Resettlement (ALL POWER).

UPSFED president Samsin Chiu stressed that they have been behind the mayor and his party even before the formal pronouncement.

"The leaders of UPSFED have always been identified as Mayor Mike's supporters. But it cannot be denied that we have members who are supporters of the other party," Chiu said.

He added, even their vice president is openly supporting BOPK and said they respect his choice.

"We cannot force all our members or officials.  But based on our observation and discussions, our group is for Team Rama," the federation president explained.

However, BOPK chairman and South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña said that at least five member associations informed his camp that they were misled as the invitation letter only stated that the gathering was for the first conference of homeowners' associations with the Divison for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).

They were only surprised to see Team Rama candidates in the venue.

Osmeña also said he does not believe the UPSFED outnumbered the ALLPOWER.

"Around 500 persons, including DWUP staff. Coming from eight barangays and only four known urban poor leaders, very easy to hakot to White Gold. No covenant signing, just a sermon from Mike (Rama)," said Osmeña.

The ALLPOWER officials earlier claimed a membership of over 2,000.

During the UPSFED gathering, which was the venue for the First Homeowner's Association Conference with DWUP, Atty. Collin Rosell clarified issues concerning urban poor used in politics.

Rosell made clarifications on issues surrounding the urban poor communities which are accordingly being used to fool the settlers into thinking the current administration is not helping them.  (FREEMAN)