BOPK, Barug to start sorties

CEBU, Philippines — Local groups Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) and Partido Barug are set to begin their formal campaigns this weekend as the campaign period for local candidates commences.

BOPK will launch its lineup formally during a proclamation rally on Saturday, March 30.

The rally will take place at 3 p.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center, said Councilor Sisinio Andales.

BOPK is fielding Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the same position and Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos for vice mayor.

Its candidates for councilor are Andales, Nestor Archival, Alvin Arcilla, Alvin Dizon, Jerry Guardo, Joy Augustus Young, Lea Japson, Marlo Maamo, David Tumulak, Raul Alcoseba, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Roberto Cabarrubias, Michael Gacasan, Kirk Bryan Repollo, Marie Velle Abella, and Rengelle Pelayo.

It is also fielding Rodrigo Abellanosa for congressman in the South District and Representative Raul del Mar for the North District.

“Ipang-introduce ang mga kandidato sa publiko ug kung duna’y senador, pwede sad ipaila-ila sad sa katawhan (We will introduce our candidates to the public and if there will be senatorial candidates present, they can also take center stage),” Andales said.

The day before the proclamation, BOPK candidates and their families will attend a Mass at the Guadalupe Church at 10 a.m.

Andales said they expect up to 10,000 supporters to join the group.

“Mag misa mi sa Guadalupe Church mga 10 a.m. All candidates kuyog sa mga pamilya, supporters ug leaders. Unya meeting sa mga barangay officials (We will attend a Mass at Guadalupe Church at 10 a.m. with our families and supports and meet with barangay officials afterwards),” Andales said.

Meanwhile, opposition group Partido Barug has not announced a proclamation rally but will begin activities with a Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral early morning on Friday.

“The reason why we want to start the campaign season with a mass is because we want guidance and blessings from the supreme giver of all authority as the bible states. And then, we will be good stewards and public servants of the people if and when we are successful in our endeavors,” said candidate for councilor Erik Espina.

After the mass, the slate will proceed to their respective jurisdictions.

“Ang katong taga north (candidates), will be north side but close to the area. Ang taga south, will be south side pud but close to the area, within the vicinity ra. Inig ka gabii ana, the usual pulong-pulong namo (Those in the North Distirct will be at the North District and those in the South District will also be at their area. In the evening, we will continue with our small gatherings in the barangays),” Espina said.

The group is fielding Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella for mayor and former mayor Michael Rama for Vice Mayor.

Aside from Espina, the group’s other candidates for councilor are Prisca Niña Mabatid, Rey Lauron, Ernest Herrera, Noel Wenceslao, Ramil Ayuman, Joel Garganera, Pastor Alcover Jr., Raymond Garcia, Donaldo Hontiveros, Phillip Zafra, Francis Esparis, Gerard Carillo, Renato Osmeña Jr., Eduardo Rama Jr., and Antonio Cuenco.

Their candidates for the Congress are Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera for the South District and actor and businessman Richard Yap for the North District. —  JMO (FREEMAN)