Guardo bolts BOPK to support Labella

CEBU, Philippines — Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) is starting to lose grip of the Cebu City Council after one of its allied councilors yesterday declared his support to the new administration.

Outgoing Councilor Jerry Guardo said he is accepting the invitation of incoming mayor Edgardo Labella for BOPK councilors to join Partido Barug-PDP Laban.

“Mayor-elect Edgardo Labella is calling for unity and reconciliation, I feel that now is the right time to heal broken wounds and unite for the good of Cebu City,” reads Guardo’s statement.

Saying he believes in inclusive governance, Labella earlier said that he would welcome BOPK councilors joining his party.

Guardo’s announcement came amid reports that the incoming administration is wooing BOPK councilors to join them to gain control of the City Council. Guardo, however, said nobody influenced him to support Labella.

Guardo said he only wanted to be consistent in supporting an elected mayor. Guardo used to be with Partido Barug, formerly known as Team Rama, but bolted out in March 2017 to support outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

“History would show that during the term of former mayor Mike Rama, I supported him. Same support I give to Mayor Osmeña during his incumbency, so that he can implement his plans and programs for the city,” he said.

Although he lost in the last midterm elections, the decision of the Commission on Elections voiding the certificate of candidacy of Councilors Alvin Arcilla and Sisinio Andales gives Guardo the chance to be proclaimed as winner along with Councilor Joel Garganera.

Guardo admitted that he did not consult the other members of BOPK about his decision. He said he was doing it a private citizen soon. According to him, he will support Labella’s administration in implementing programs and projects for the public.

While he did not ask for position from Labella but he said he is willing to accept if given by the incoming administration. (FREEMAN)