Will Mandaue see a Jonas-Luigi fight?

CEBU, Philippines — Is Cebu Sixth District Rep. Jonas Cortes challenging Mandaue Mayor Gabriel Luiz Quisumbing in next year’s midterm elections?

Cortes said the elections are still too far away to think about but Quisumbing said it was a “puzzling move” for Cortes to preside over the oath taking of 14 barangay captains at J-Centre Mall last Sunday.

Yesterday, Quisumbing presided over the oath taking of 13 other barangay captains at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

"Our intention here is precisely to show that we're all working together. However, we learned that there was another oath taking that was conducted yesterday (Sunday). Quite frankly, it is a string of puzzling moves by certain groups and certain personalities in Mandaue City," Quisumbing told The Freeman.

Those who took their oath before Cortes were Bakilid barangay captain Jimmy Lumapas, Centro barangay captain Ian Cortes, Casili barangay captain Vidal Cabatingan, Cambaro barangay captain Celma Sanchez, Casuntingan barangay captain Oscar Del Castillo,Labogon barangay captain Amado Manatad, Cabancalan barangay captain Rey Cortes, Jagobiao barangay captain Michael Masinas, Cubacub barangay captain Almario Bihag, Subangdaku barangay captain Ernie Manatad, Tawason barangay captain Glen Bordario, Tingub barangay captain, Mario Bihag, Tipolo barangay captain Romana Cuizon, and Umapad barangay captain Nelson Rubio.

Those who took their oath before Quisumbing were Looc barangay captain Sol Cabahug, Ibabao barangay captain Romulo Echavez, Jr. , Canduman barangay captain Dante Borbajo, Opao barangay captain Amoreo Icalina, Alang-Alang barangay captain Dr. Patricio Seno, Guizo barangay captain Jesus Neri, Jr., Mantuyong barangay captain Juanito Urot, Sr., Pagsabungan barangay captain Asterio Suson, Banilad barangay captain Greg Yap, Tabok barangay captain Dario Tarriman, Basak barangay captain Diano Felipe, Paknaan barangay captain Malaquias Soco, and Maguikay barangay captain Eduardo Gumera.

Cortes told The Freeman that the 14 barangay captains actually just accompanied the Sangguniang Kabataan officials who also take their oath.

"Ceremonial nalang to nila kay ang mga kapitan naka panumpa naman sa presidente," Cortes said.

The barangay captains took oath before President Rodrigo Duterte last June 7.

While saying the midterm polls are still far away, Cortes said he will think about any move to convince him to run again for mayor.

"Para nako, layo pa kaayo na. Trabaho lang una ta. Atong timbang-timbangon. Naa man tay pundok sa partido. We need to have a consultation first before we decide anything," he said.

Cortes served as mayor of Mandaue for three terms before running for Congress.

Quisumbing said he will not take the move against the barangay captains.

"Of course not. That is certainly their prerogative and I will not begrudge on that. The president has said many times that we are all in-charge of our own destiny," Quisumbing told reporters yesterday.

He admitted, though, that he expected all 27 barangay captains to join the oath taking at the sports complex yesterday.

Cebu City

In neighboring Cebu City, several incumbent officials have expressed interest to run in next year’s polls. Others said they will end their political journey.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he will seek reelection but his group, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, still has to choose his running mate.

“No prospects. Nobody wants to run with me,” Osmeña said.

On the other side, Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia said Barug Team Rama-PDP Laban will decide on its standard bearers on July 1.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and former mayor Michael Rama are on top of the list.

As far as the councilors are concerned, Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Joy Augustus Young, and Jose Daluz III said they will no longer seek reelection.

Osmeña said she would want to spend more time with her granddaughter.

Young, for his part, said a retirement has been part of the plan, considering that he has served the city for several years already.

Daluz, on the other hand, said he will not run again for councilor and would have wanted to seek for a higher post, but BOPK reportedly has its choices in place.

Meanwhile, the councilors seeking reelection are Jocelyn Pesquera, Eugenio Gabuya, Jr., Jerry Guardo, Sisinio Andales, and Alvin Arcilla.

Those who remain undecided are Garcia and councilors Joel Garganera, Renato Osmeña, Jr., Pastor Alcover, Jr., David Tumulak, and Eduardo Rama.

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos has yet to respond to The Freeman’s query.

Osmeña said he will ask Councilor Nestor Archival to run for councilor.

Archival was recently awarded as “Outstanding Professional of the year” by the Professional Regulatory Commission last week.

“I just want to show the Cebuanos that this is the talent that you missed. Alvin Dizon also got an award in Manila for his pro-poor programs in the city. I just got word he was cited. He was a national awardee,” Osmeña said.

Sought for comment, Archival said he is willing to run for councilor again if that is suggested by the group. (FREEMAN)