Samsam takes oath before Chiong

CEBU, Philippines - Congressman Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas yesterday took his oath before outgoing Mayor Valdemar Chiong of the City of Naga.

Samsam, who was given fresh mandate by the people in the first district, also administered the oath of all Alayon Party members elected during the last elections.

Samsam took the opportunity to thank all the officials in the district for the overwhelming support.

"Kitang tanan dili nato kaya kung magbinagsa ‘ta, pero kung magkuyog ‘ta ubos sa atong grupo nga Alayon, kita tanan nidaug gyud ‘ta," Samsam said.

Samsam said Alayon made history in the last elections by sweeping all the mayoralty positions from Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, and Sibonga.

Alayon also clinched the two seats for the Provincial Board and he won his reelection bid in Congress.

Samsam especially thanked the residents and officials of Minglanilla who remained loyal to him despite the issues.

"Nagpasalamat ko nga wala'y nagpadala sa intriga nga nag-away na kuno si uncle Jojo (Selma) and Mayor Lani Peña," Samsam said.

Alayon candidates for mayor and vice mayor in Minglanilla won big in the last elections. Majority of its candidates for the council also won.

Samsam said he was also happy that his grandfather, Talisay City Mayor-elect Eduardo Gullas won against incumbent Mayor Johnny Delos Reyes.

"Niingon sila dili nana kakampanya, tiguwang nana, dili nana ka lakaw, dili nana kadaug napildi nana'g kausa, diritso diritso nana ang pildi maoy giingon," Samsam said.

And yet, Samsam said, the people of Talisay City voted for Eddiegul and his runningmate Vice Mayor-elect Allan Bucao. Majority of their candidates for the City Council also won.

Samsam promised to help San Fernando Mayor-elect Neneth Reluya.

"Challenge ni nato Mayor Neneth kay karon naa kay congressman nga all out motabang kanimo himoon nato ang tanang mabuhat sa lungsod sa San Fernando bisan 17 kabuok kapitan naa nila kung kitang duha magtinabangay ang lungsod sa San Fernando motingog  atong hatagan og saktong serbisyo ug saktong proyekto," he said.

He also thanked Mayor Nicepuro Apura of Carcar City for the help. Samsam said Carcar City delivered 72-percent of the votes in his favor. — (FREEMAN)