Tining Martinez victory a pleasant surprise to Guv

CEBU, Philippines - The election of former Bogo City mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III as barangay captain of Cayang was a surprise to his ally, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III.

Davide yesterday said that somebody informed him through a text message that Martinez won unopposed in last Monday’s barangay election.

Martinez paid a courtesy call to Davide in his office at the Capitol last Tuesday to inform the provincial head of the Liberal Party of his election.

“I did not even know that he run for barangay captain. I only knew kato na diha’y ni text nako nga si Tining nidaug sa Cayang,” Davide said.

The son of Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr., Tining is now being groomed to be the president of the Association of Barangay Councils and an ex-officio member of the City Council.

Davide said that as a partymate, Tining will also be considered for the top position of the ABC provincial federation and to sit as ex-officio member of the Provincial Board.

However, Davide said he did not yet discuss this possibility with Tining during his visit to the Capitol.

Tining lost thrice to Rep. Benhur Salimbangon in the congressional race in the fourth district, first in 2007, then in 2010 and in 2013.

In 2007, Tining was proclaimed winner but only barely two months before the 2010 elections.

Incumbent ABC president, PB Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr., was also elected unopposed as barangay captain in Baod, Bantayan.

Other LP allies vying for the ABC post in their respective localities are Rodelo Diamante who defeated barangay captain Macario Batal Jr. of Colonia, Tuburan, while Carmela Dumdum also defeated barangay captain Victoria Aguanta Aliviado of Poblacion, Asturias.

Diamante is the younger brother of Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante Jr. who is the president of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines-Cebu Chapter while Dumdum is the daughter of Asturias Vice Mayor Joel Dumdum. —(FREEMAN)