Opposition dads want only 1 bet

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City councilors allied with Barug Team Rama PDP Laban are optimistic only one will represent the group and run for mayor in next year's midterm elections.

Councilors Raymond Alvin Garcia and Joel Garganera said the group continues to discuss its options, including the seeming conflict in the decisions of Vice Mayor Edgar Labella and former mayor Michael Rama who both expressed intention to run for mayor.

Garganera said the group cannot afford to be divided.

"No, at the end of the day, we'll be fielding only one candidate for mayor. We have more days para filing sa COC (Certificate of Candidacy)," he said.

Last Saturday, Labella declared that he will run for mayor as the standard bearer of Partido Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, which is affiliated locally with Barug Team Rama.

Labella said he made the decision to make his intentions clear with the group's supporters. Labella was also appointed as PDP Laban Cebu City Chapter president.

Rama, on the other hand, said his decision stays. He also said he is hopeful that Labella will eventually agree to be his running mate.

The two ran together in the 2013 and 2016 elections - Rama for mayor and Labella for vice mayor.

Another opposition councilor, Renato "Junjun" Osmeña Jr., is also optimistic that the group will remain united when election season comes.

"It's a political exercise they are both entitled to. I believe our group will stay as one come elections day for the best interest of Cebu and its people," he said.

Councilor Jose Daluz III, for his part, said he hopes for Labella and Rama to subject themselves to the group's consultative processes.

"I hope that the two leaders will remember that our group will always be consultative being the essence of democracy and that there is no guarantee to any position just because you are incumbent or you've been there once. Otherwise, wala ta'y kalainan sa kaatbang nga usa ra ang tingog," he said.

Daluz belied reports that there is internal conflict in the group.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. said should Labella and Rama stand by their decision, he will have to support Rama.

"Dako og posibilidad but I'm prepared for that scenario. Daghan ko og option, possible sad nga mopahulay nako sa hugaw nga politika," he said.

Yesterday, Osmeña said the developments in the opposition group are but political maneuverings.

"Don't be fooled. That's their grand plan to be united even a few days before election creating a bandwagon effect. When they start quarreling and squeezing in each other's anomalies, then I will believe the split is for real. In the meantime, this is just another boring drama for Rama," he said. (FREEMAN)