Quisumbing warns ‘traditional politicos’ in SOCA

CEBU, Philippines —  Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing has warned traditional politicians to stop instigating stories that can put the city in a bad light.

In his recent State of the City Address (SOCA), Quisumbing called out those who claim they are putting the city above self when, in fact, they are working to destroy the city.

“Make no mistake, Mandaue City will be great. Trapos will not stop this. To those that are clueless on how to make the city better, I understand that it is easy to hide behind social media, personal attacks, motherhood statements and stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul,” he said.

The mayor did not mention any names. But he said there have been attempts to make Mandaue look bad, which he said do not contribute to the city’s progress.

“What they won't do is contribute to positive development. They will say they only have the best interest of Mandaue and not their pockets in mind. Uy, wala'y plastikan sa Mandaue,” the mayor said.

Together with the City Council, Quisumbing assured the Mandauehanons of the services due them, even if it takes a while to reach them due to certain legal processes.

“If you are willing to work and do your part to build sa better city for all and not just for yourself or political padrino, you will always have a place here,” he said.

Earlier reports have tagged Quisumbing’s former ally, former Mandaue City mayor and now Sixth District Representative Jonas Cortes, as his rival in the race to the mayoralty post next year.

After the barangay elections, some 14 barangay captains chose to take their oath with Cortes while 13 others with Quisumbing.

The political rivalry, even this early, has already reached the social media, with users changing their profile photos to express their support to Cortes. The camp of Cortes, meanwhile, denied that the congressman will run for mayor.

Another report had surfaced that Quisumbing’s vice mayoralty candidate for next year will be former Mandaue City councilor Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano, who Quisumbing defeated in 2016.

Quisumbing declined to comment about the report. — JMD (FREEMAN)