Lolypop takes oath as Congresswoman

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Sixth District congresswoman-elect Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon took her oath of office before outgoing Congressman and Mandaue City mayor-elect Jonas Cortes Thursday night.

Ouano-Dizon thanked her relatives, supporters, volunteers, campaign team and political allies for their overwhelming support.

She also credited them for her victory in the May 13 midterm elections.

Ouano-Dizon, who ran under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, garnered 177,791 votes against her rivals, lawyer Baldomero Estenzo and Ati Dy, who got 41, 477 and 5, 974 votes, respectively.

The sixth legislative district covers Mandaue City and the towns of Consolacion and Cordova.

Outgoing Cebu Third District Congresswoman and incoming governor Gwendolyn Garcia, an ally of the Ouanos, said the unity of the former political foes—the Ouanos and the Corteses—was a big factor of Ouano-Dizon’s victory.

Cortes said it was him who convinced Ouano-Dizon to run for a seat in Congress as a sign of unity among Mandaue’s biggest political clans.

"True leadership unites and inspires the people. I have seen that in the leadership of Jonas," said Ouano-Dizon.

Cortes assured Ouano-Dizon of a strong support from the people and leaders not just in Mandaue but also in the towns of Consolacion and Cordova.

Cortes was proclaimed winner in the mayoral race in Mandaue City. He garnered 101, 641 votes as against the 58, 842 votes of outgoing Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing.

“Being a representative entails a lot of hardwork and many tasks to do. But ayaw kahadlok kay ang sixth district nagkahiusa naa sa imong luyo,” Cortes told Ouano-Dizon in his speech.

During the event, Ouano-Dizon showed a video presentation entitled "The Ouano Legacy Lives On.”

She paid tribute to her late grandfather, former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo "Pedong" Ouano, and father, Thadeo "Teddy" Ouano. Both succumbed to cancer a few years ago.

"I am sure nalipay gyud nagtan-aw nato karon si Tatay Pedong ug Papa Ted nga nidaug mi," said Ouano-Dizon.

Among those who attended the oathtaking rites were reelected Cordova Mayor Tetche Sitoy-Cho, outgoing Consolacion Mayor and incoming vice mayor Teresa Alegado and Consolacion mayor-elect Joannes Alegado.

Others were Secretary Adelino Sitoy of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, whom Dizon regarded as the grandfather of the district and among those whom she consulted before she run for Congress, newly-elected Cebu Provincial Board member Glenn Soco, outgoing Cebu Provincial Board Member and incoming Mandaue City vice mayor Glenn Bercede, and the entire slate of Team Mandaue. — KBQ (FREEMAN)