CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan is winning over most of the allies of his political rival in the City Council.
Chan announced yesterday that he now has the support of eight councilors from the other political fence. Those who have already pledged their support to his administration are Councilors Marcial Ycong, Queenie Malingin, Ricardo Amores, Gregorio Paquibot, Junrey Gestopa, Efren Herrera, Rex Mangubat and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president Lyka Tampus.
Chan said four more councilors allied with former mayor Arturo “Boy” Radaza have already sent feelers of support to his administration. They are Councilors Flaviano Hiyas, Rudy Potot, Jose Dungog and Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Eduardo Cuizon.
The mayor only has two original allies in the city council—Councilors Jan Vincent dela Serna and Nelson Yap-- when he assumed office two months ago.
“Ang commitment nila nga kung duna tay ipapasar nga ordinansa basta makaayo sa katawhan kay magtinabangay ta, atong suportahan. Pero og sa ilang tan-aw makadaot sa katawhan, pwede ra pud nila babagan unya dili ko masuko,” Chan said.
In return, the councilors who have pledged their support to Chan were given additional staff and legislative assistance fund for their projects. Chan said the eight councilors who are now with him were already given 10 staff each last month.
Mao ra gyud ni akong hangyo nila nga suportahi ko kung makaayo sa siyudad akong buhaton unya kung nakadaot gani sa siyudad, babagi ko. Mao na akong deal nila,” Chan said.
Chan said the four others who are expected to join him soon will also get additional personnel.
“Naay upat nagpadala na og feeler unya mag istorya pa mi. Andam ko mohatag nila og staff basta motabang sila sa akong administrasyon,” Chan said.
With the support of the majority of the members of the city council, Chan said he is now expecting smooth governance in the city.
“I expect nga ma smooth na ang operation sa akong administrasyon. Mao gyud na ang akong gi-ampo sa atong Ginoo ug sa Mahal na Birhen sa Regla nga unta malamdagan na sila,” he added. — FPL (FREEMAN)