Novelty singer, militant join City Council derby

CEBU, Philippines - A former cause-oriented group leader and a novelty singer are joining the political derby in Cebu City next year.

Famous Visayan novelty singer Max Surban and former Bayan-Muna Partylist secretary general German “Arman” Perez yesterday filed their certificate of candidacy for city councilor in the north district before the Commission of Elections.

Surban, 76, a resident of Barangay Tejero, is running under the Nacionalista Party. He earlier asked to be included in the lineup of the Team Rama but was not given a slot.   

“Wala (ko) nahiubos. Makasabot man pud ta kay kun kuhaan ang laing grupo, lain man pud,” Surban said.

In fact, he will support the re-election bid of Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella. He said he is running with the platform “Serbisyo To ‘D Max”.

Surban said he wants to run a public office that will promote the protection of environment, promote Cebuano music and arts, establishment of recreation center for the senior citizens, among others.

Perez, a development worker and a consultant of Senator Pia Cayetano, said he wants to provide “balance in the political landscape of the city.” He claimed to have been invited by both Team Rama and Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan to join their ticket. However, Perez said he wanted to run as independent.

“Most of my platforms are for the poor, youth and women. Dili pa man ko senior, pero mokuan pud ta sa senior nga concerns sa environment,” he said.

Perez is also a former councilman of Barangay Mabolo.

Meanwhile, BOPK candidates headed by former mayor Tomas Osmeña are expected to troop to the Comelec office today after a 9:30 a.m. Mass at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. The Team Rama is scheduled to file their COCs on Friday after an 8:00 a.m. Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. — (FREEMAN)