7 Cebu execs called to ‘dinner’ at Palace

CEBU, Philippines — At least seven local officials from Cebu led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia were invited to a dinner with President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go in Malacañang Wednesday evening.

Aside from Garcia, also present were 4th District Rep. Janice Salimbangon, 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco, 6th District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, and Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas. They were also joined by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino.

Except for Dino who admitted that Duterte expressed during the meeting his desire for Go to run for president, the local officials who attended the meeting were tight-lipped. Dino told The Freeman that those who attended the meeting allegedly assured the president that they will support his candidate.

But Gullas said the meeting was “just dinner” and nothing political about it. In his post on Facebook, Gullas said they talked about the situation in his city and thanked the president as well as the senator for all that they have done for Talisay.

“We talked about the situation in Talisay and how we want to move forward in the city of Talisay. Also took the opportunity to thank them for everything they have done for the district, most especially the City of Talisay,” reads Gullas’ post on Facebook.

Dizon also posted on Facebook: “What an honor to join President Duterte & Senator Bong Go at an intimate dinner last night at Malacañang, together with my partner in progress Mayor Jonas C. Cortes. Thank you, Tatay Digong sa imong kanunay paghatag sa imong pagsalig ug supporta kanamo ug sa tibuok Sixto Distrito.”

Chan also expressed on Facebook his gratitude for Duterte for sending flowers and a letter when his mother died last month.

“Lakip na pod ang iyang mga paningkamot sa pagpasidungog sa atong bayani nga si Lapulapu sa nasyonal nga gani gikan sa 1 centavo coin, makita na ang iyang hulagway sa 5,000 commemorative bill nga maoy pinakadakong kantidad sa salapi sa atong nasud ug ang pag-aprobar nga mamahimong legal holiday ang adlaw sa Kadaugan sa Mactan,” Chan said in his post.

He also thanked Go for helping the fire victims in Lapu-Lapu City and for the construction of Malasakit Center at Lapu-Lapu City Public Hospital. —FPL (FREEMAN)