Cebu City’s old political clans intend to join Panaghiusa Party

CEBU, Philippines —  Partido Panaghiusa, the party revived by former city councilor Jose “Joey” Daluz III, said some members of political clans in Cebu City are interested to join the party.

Daluz said he cannot divulge their names yet, but they belong to Holganza and Cuenco clans.

Daluz said he will also invite City Councilor Phillip Zafra to join Panaghiusa Party.

Some barangay leaders have already expressed their support to the party, added Daluz.

The party was espoused by Daluz’s late mother, broadcaster Nenita “Inday Nita”, along with late Cebu City councilor Antonio Cuenco and late senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña.

Daluz revived the party last month after leaving the ruling administration bloc. He was Barug-PDP Laban’s vice president and served as a campaign manager in the 2019 elections.

He earlier said the party is still registered with the Commission on Elections.

He intends to form a coalition with Barug-PDP Laban to support a singular banner candidate for mayorship in the 2022 elections.

He already invited Mayor Edgardo Labella to be the party’s honorary chairman.

Labella earlier said he welcomed the intention of Daluz for a coalition and understood the need for Daluz to resign from Barug-PDP Laban.

The revival of Partido Panaghiusa, the mayor said, is a welcome development, saying it’s better to have many regional groups as allies.

The Kugi Uswag Sugbo (KUSUG) also signified its support for Labella.

KUSUG is managed by former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia and incumbent City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

Councilors Jerry Guardo, Joel Garganera and Dave Tumulak were invited to join the political party. — KQD (FREEMAN)