Opposition Dads: Labella has better chance vs Tom

CEBU, Philippines —  Barug Team Rama Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban Cebu City Councilor Jose Daluz III says Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella has better chances of winning over former mayor Michael Rama.

The matter surfaced after reporters asked for his comment on the recent statement of Mayor Tomas Osmeña that Labella is a stronger opponent compared to Rama.

Daluz said considering the perception of ordinary people, Labella has better image to the public.

“Honestly, the perception of winnability is naa gyud ni Edgar. When you say Edgar, mo-click dayon compared to Mike,” he said.

Daluz explained that Rama has yet to recover for being named as narco-politician by the president.

“Because gihinganlan si Mike as protector. Perception lang, katong mga tawo nga not so engage in politics, si Edgar gyud ilaha,” he said.

Further, Daluz said there is an atmosphere that the public wants a new leader in the city.

“Mao mana usa sad kay ang mga tawo clamoring for a new leader. Tom is obsolete. Tomas is obsolete. We have to delete him in 2019,” he said.

However, Daluz emphasized that the party has to finalize who will be their standard bearer in 2019 elections.

This matter has been a topic nowadays after Rama showed intention to take the city leadership back and Labella is open to running for mayor.

Rama told The FREEMAN it’s better for him to run so that he could tell the truth that he was not a drug protector.

“Mas maayo nuon na modagan ko aron makasabot ang mga tawo hangtod gyud sa ubos. Sultian sila na dili na tinuod kay dili man gyud,” he said.

Rama admitted that he is not willing to compromise if ever more members of the party prefer to have Labella as the party’s standard bearer.

“No. We don’t talk about compromise now. I am very clear that I’m running for mayor under Barug Team Rama,” he said.

Another Barug Team Rama PDP-Laban councilor Joel Garganera assured that the party will be having only one mayor candidate.

He said it is not true that there is an internal conflict in the group about the mayoral issue.

Garganera said Labella and Rama has a constant communication with each other as well as to their members in order to address the matter.

In fact, last Thursday night, Barug Team Rama PDP-Laban affiliated officials had a dinner with Rama.

“One thing for sure, they have been constantly talking. This we can assure, there will be only one candidate for mayor,” he said.

Garganera has also made a comment to Osmeña’s preference as to who is a better mayoral candidate.

“We will invite him (Osmeña), we need his inputs,” he said.

When asked for his personal opinion, Garganera just said,” Can’t we wait? You know dili man karon ang pag-decide. There’s a day for that.”

Garganera denied reports that the elected councilors have endorsed Labella for mayorship.

Both Daluz and Garganera said whoever between Rama and Labella will be chosen, they are willing to support.

Association of Barangay Councils-Cebu City President Phillip Zafra said their group has to choose a leader that would lead the city better.

“Well, as I have said, it's not about the personality. It should be the person who can rally behind the people and the group, to spearhead the upcoming elections,” he said. — GAN (BANATNEWS)