Diamante bolts PDP

CEBU, Philippines — The president of the Visayas Movement for Federalism defected from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban), which champions federalism.

Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Democrito "Aljun" Diamante, who also sits as chapter president of the Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP)-Cebu, said he left the ruling party to pursue his political career.

Diamante wanted to run for a congressional seat representing the third legislative district of Cebu.

But PDP-Laban instead endorsed Pablo John Garcia, former Cebu third district representative, as its official candidate for the position.

The ruling party also endorsed its official slate for Tuburan town last Sunday. But Diamante’s name was not part of the list.

"Nasagmuyo ko nga dunay political maneuvering apan normal man na. No need to insist if di na ganahan ang party nimo," he said.

"Di man ko mahatagan og CONA (Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance)," he added.

Diamante was one of PDP-Laban’s first Cebuano converts after the 2016 elections.

Diamante claimed PDP-Laban chose Garcia clan believing Garcias are “more capable and prominent.”

Third District Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia is the party’s official candidate for Cebu governor.

Given the circumstances, Diamante opted to run for vice mayor instead under the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).

He filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) yesterday with his CONA issued by NPC.

Diamante is currently serving his last term as mayor of Tuburan.

Despite leaving PDP-LABAN, he assured that he will continue serving as the president of Visayas Movement for Federalism.

"Yes because federalism is not exclusive to PDP Laban. It is an advocacy of our PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte)," he said.

In a separate development, Diamante has organized a new local party in the third district dubbed as "Sidlak Tersero Distrito,” an ally of NPC.

Its members are opposition local executives of the towns of Aloguinsan, Asturias, Tuburan, Barili, Balamban, Toledo, and Pinamungajan.

Geraldine "Gaye" Yapha is the Sidlak Tercero Distrito’s standard bearer.

He said he tapped the opposition officials since the incumbent mayors in the district are already with One Cebu of Congresswoman Garcia.

One Cebu is a local party affiliated with PDP-Laban. (FREEMAN)