Majority bloc in council still unclear

CEBU, Philippines — With less than two weeks before the final session of the Cebu City Council’s current term, the composition of the new majority bloc remains unresolved as political negotiations intensify among the three parties—each holding six members in the incoming council.

Reelected Councilor Philip Zafra, a veteran legislator under Partido BARUG – Team Rama, confirmed he is among those being courted in the effort to form a majority bloc.

Zafra was reelected alongside Councilor Francis Esparis, and joined by new councilors, lawyer Mikel Rama and Barangay Cogon Pardo Chief Harry Eran.

He also counted ex-officio members Liga ng Barangay President Franklyn Ong and SK Federation President Rhea Jacosalem as part of Partido BARUG.

This leaves the incoming council with an even split: six members each from Partido BARUG, the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) of Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr., and Partido KUSUG, led by outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

Despite this balance, Zafra said there is still no certainty on which group will eventually form the majority.

“But I know both groups are trying to meet with the other,” said Zafra.

He noted that no timeline has been set for finalizing any alliances, and the composition may only become clear during the inaugural session.

When asked personally, Zafra said that while “talks are ongoing,” he cannot preempt the outcome.

Regardless of which bloc he joins, Zafra assured that his commitment to public service remains unchanged.

“If majority ko, then I will help the administration, basta kay ang among tuyo sa pagdagan, mao man gyud ang pagserbisyo sa mga Sugboanon,” said Zafra.

“I will not be an obstructionist. I will be fair in dealing with the issues,” he added.

Zafra emphasized that decisions about political alliances will be made collectively by Partido BARUG. He said their party head, former Mayor Michael Rama, has not issued any specific instructions about forming alliances.

He also clarified that they are not positioning themselves as opposition for the sake of opposing the incoming administration.

Admitting that their six-member group holds weight in the council’s balance of power, Zafra said they “cannot easily be dismissed.”

The outline of the majority and minority blocs, he said, may become clearer as early as next week.

“Naa na. Natural man jud na,” Zafra said.

“Naa may mga initial talks being made, naay mga nanawag jud to convince to form the majority, pero as I’ve said anything can happen,” he added.

Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia confirmed that negotiations are ongoing ahead of the inaugural session. He expressed willingness to form new political alliances, acknowledging the possibility that some councilors from his camp may shift allegiances.

The current batch of city councilors will serve until June 30. The new councilors will take their oath on July 1, which will include a reorganization of leadership within the council. While the outgoing council was divided between two parties, the incoming group reflects a tripartite composition.

Garcia, who lost his mayoral reelection bid, said he anticipates changes in alliances as councilors prepare to elect the new set of officers, including the Majority Floor Leader, Minority Floor Leader, and committee chairpersons for the council’s 24 standing committees.

He stressed that the selection of these officers is “purely” the prerogative of the councilors and should not be influenced by the executive department. Garcia also urged the incoming administration to respect the independence of the legislative body in choosing its leaders. —/ATO (FREEMAN)