President Macapagal’s proclamation of Rene Espina as LP gubernatorial candidate

The Freedom Park (within the Carbon district) for decades has been the site the political and religious rallies. It has been the venue of debates, a symbol of the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution.

Among the many events was the proclamation of Cebuano Bar topnotcher, the youngest SSS administrator, Rene Gandiongco Espina as the gubernatorial candidate of the Liberal Party in Cebu. The political event happened on September 9, 1963. At that time, Cebu City residents still vote for the governor and vice governor. In fact, Cebu City was part of what was called the “Old 2nd Congressional District” composed of Cebu City, Mandawe (Mandaue), Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Cordova, and Lapu-Lapu City.

Here is an excerpt of the report of the Official Gazette of the campaign schedule of President Macapagal in Cebu:

“THE President started his second and final political campaign in the heavy voting province of Cebu early this morning in Samboan, where he spent the night in the residence of Mayor Florencio Rusiana.

“From Samboan the President moved northward with whistle stops in Santander, Boljoon, Dalaquila, Argao, Oslob, Alcoy, Sibonga, Carcar, Naga, Minglanilla, Talisay, and San Fernando before entering Cebu City.

“In Naga the President found the First Lady, who arrived from Cebu City earlier, to meet him. The President, with the First Lady, witnessed the formal turnover ceremonies of the Cebu Portland Cement plant to the Apo Cement Corporation.

“President Macapagal arrived in Cebu City last evening accompanied by the First Lady who met him in Naga this afternoon. The President with Cebu LP officials was welcomed in Cebu City by a large crowd which lined the city’s streets to witness his arrival.

“The President is scheduled to address a rally in Freedom Park, where he will proclaim Rene Espina as the LP candidate for governor of Cebu.

“After the rally President Macapagal is scheduled to sail for three islets off Surigao tomorrow and Wednesday.

“President Macapagal declined to comment on a report that the Philippines and Indonesia were plotting a new joint move to block the formation of a Malaysia federation.

“He told newsmen in Naga this afternoon that he had not received an official report of the matter from Foreign Affairs Secretary Salvador P. Lopez.”