Two PDP-Laban factions in Cebu City: Leadership war

CEBU, Philippines — The administration party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), is facing a looming crisis in Cebu City after two factions are claiming leadership.

The leadership problem was exposed after former Kamputhaw barangay captain Lorenzo Basamot posted on Facebook, thanking Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Noel Felongco for his appointment as vice president of PDP-Laban Cebu City chapter. Felongco is the regional president of PDP-Laban.

Basamot’s appointment was also signed by the party’s local chapter president Lorna Roa Bacalla. Basamot posted his certificate of participation to the party’s basic membership seminar on February 11, 2018.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella earlier claimed to have been appointed by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez as PDP-Laban president in Cebu City. But, PDP-Laban provincial president Nixon “Jojo” Dizon said they recognized Bacalla as the city chapter president.

Dizon said Bacalla organized the PDP-Laban in Cebu City with Felongco before the 2016 elections. Labella and the rest of the members of Team Rama were members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and supported the candidacy of then vice president Jejomar Binay.

"As of now wala pa may communication nga si Vice ang himoong president sa city.  As of now ang gi-acknowledge sa national headquarter is Lorna Bacalla," Dizon told The FREEMAN.

Labella said he will inquire from Alvarez about the other faction.

"I will just inquire from Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez,  the Secretary General of PDP-Laban on this issue.  I have no problem with this," Labella said.

Labella said he prefers not to issue personal comment on the act of Bacalla, saying he does not want to offend her.

"It doesn't have to be specific, I have to inquire about this issue kana lang. Ayaw lang sa designation dili lang ko mo-comment ana kay I don't want to antagonize them.  I don't want to offend them," he said.

Labella said he knows Bacalla since they are neighbors in Mabolo.

"Yes,  I know her and her husband Colonel Alexander Bacalla.  We are neighbors in Mabolo.  We are good friends. I know that they have been supporters of the president... Col.  Bacalla,  her husband is a very good friend of my family.  We have a very good relationship with them," Labella added.

Labella and most of the Team Rama councilors joined PDP-Laban during the mass oathtaking held in Cebu City last November. Recently, Labella announced that he is open to run for mayor if the elections push through next year.

His announcement allegedly created a spat between him and his ally former mayor Michael Rama, who is also posturing for a political comeback. Both denied having a relationship problem. (FREEMAN)