Councilor Tumulak shifts allegiance to Labella

CEBU, Philippines — Another councilor from the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) has expressed support to the administration of incoming Cebu City mayor Edgardo Labella.

Councilor David Tumulak yesterday announced that he is supporting Labella, saying that since the elections are over, now is the time to work together regardless of political affiliations.

“I therefore extend my hand of reconciliation with all members of the City Council, with the newly elected ones regardless of political affiliations, and most importantly to the incoming Mayor Edgar Labella you have my support,” Tumulak said in a press statement.

Since March 2017, Tumulak was a member of BOPK, which is headed by outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña. He ran for reelection under the same party last elections and won.

Tumulak said he is interested about how Labella will handle the city, considering that the new mayor has been working with former mayors Osmeña and Michael Rama.

“On my first term I know the way they manage the city. After Mike Rama, I know Tommy Osmeña, during my second term, the way they serve the people of the City of Cebu. Now, Edgardo Labella, tagaan nato siya og time how he’ll manage and improve the city,” Tumulak said.

Tumulak, who started his political career in 1994, said he can work with any party whose mission is to protect the interest of the public.

“Regarding political affiliations, I belong and ran under the Nacionalista Party in the last election. As to the local party groups, I would say that I served both parties on different times and capacities, and I did not shortchange them as far as service to the public is concerned,” he said.

Before Tumulak became a member of BOPK, he was under Team Rama, now the Partido-Barug PDP Laban.

The councilor vowed to continue serving the public with utmost honesty and sincerity.

“I will not just continue what I started or have done but I will improve and upscale and introduce new innovative ways. Thus it is not who I belong but it is who and how I should serve. I serve the people and the One Above,” he said.

Osmeñas’ Comments

 When asked for his comment, Osmeña just said," I'm for Cebu City it's very simple what's good for Cebu is good. What's bad is bad."

Outgoing Councilor Margarita Osmeña respects the decision of Tumulak, saying her husband has been telling BOPK members to go for what’s the best for the city.

“If Dave Tumulak said that why will you hold that against you, he’s the councilor of Cebu City and the mayor is going to be Edgar Labella, so let’s give everybody a chance,” she said.

But BOPK Councilor Sisinio Andales hopes that Tumulak won’t shift party affiliation.

Andales said he could not guarantee if BOPK will remain intact considering that Tomas is retiring from public service.

Barangays still with BOPK

Despite the rumors that some barangay captains have shifted allegiance, the Association of Barangay Councils- Cebu City Chapter President Franklyn Ong said the 50 of 80 barangay captains are still with BOPK.

However, Ong said that all barangay captains, including those allies with BOPK, will support the administration of Mayor-Elect Edgardo Labella.

“I’m very confident to say nga kami tanan, we are very strong and very united. We are intact. 50 barangay captains,” he said.

During yesterday’s oath taking ceremony of reelected and newly elected BOPK allies in the City Council, only 32 of 50 barangay captains have attended the event.

But Ong said seven barangay officials are in Boracay, two are out of the country, six were attending important meetings, two have health concerns, and one in on birthday leave. —  LPM (FREEMAN)