His 8th visit to Cebu this year: Duterte in town

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu local administration candidates are set to gather tonight for a “meet and greet” with President Rodrigo Duterte at Mandani Bay Tent at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.

This is Duterte’s eight visit to Cebu this year.

Third District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, who is the standard bearer for governor under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), will be leading the pack of local leaders seeking different local posts in the 2019 midterm elections.

Also invited to attend are the candidates for district representatives, Provincial Board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors.

Duterte is set to arrive at 6:30 p.m. but candidates are required to be at the venue earlier, as the gates will be closed by 5:00 p.m.

Candidates are allowed to wear their campaign uniforms, except any yellow colored material.

A source who asked not to be identified said that the group of Sixth District Representative Jonas Cortes, who is running as mayor in Mandaue, together with Sixth District congressional candidate, Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, and the rest of their slate will also be there.

The same source also said that the group of Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella is also expected to be present in the event.

Allies of ruling PDP-Laban include the Garcia-led One Cebu Party, Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats (Lakas CMD), Nacionalista Party (NP), and National Unity Party (NUP).

Duterte was in Cebu last September 21 where he visited the landslide victims in Naga City and he also attended the Asia-Pacific Association of Gastroentorology 3rd Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Clinical Forum as guest speaker. (FREEMAN)