Misamis Oriental guv will run for mayor in 2013

IT’S official - Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno will run for mayor in Cagayan de Oro City in 2013.

Moreno announced this during his State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Monday at the Provincial Capitol.

“This October, I will file my certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor of Cagayan de Oro. I will offer myself to serve the people of Cagayan de Oro,” Moreno said.

The governor vowed to pursue his plan to “reach the higher level in making Cagayan de Oro and the entire Northern Mindanao more progressive.”

Moreno said this political move is “not going to be easy, especially that the demolition job and the intrigues” against him and his family is going on.

Moreno cited the latest intrigues between him and his elder brother who reportedly visited the office of incumbent Mayor Vicente Emano allegedly expressing his ill-feelings against the governor.

But while admitting that he and his brother have differences, Moreno emphasized that this would not change the “love and bond their parents taught them.”

“I hope next year we will be in City Hall. There are so many things that we can do together to bring about a better tomorrow. Gone are the days when politicians dominate the people. It is the time for empowerment,” Moreno said.

He said he envisions Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental working together and drawing strength from each other.

But even with his announcement, Moreno vowed to serve the people of Misamis Oriental the best way he can until June 2013.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas advised Moreno to strengthen his political structure to win the elections.

Cabanlas said Moreno has to build up his political structure and process of realignment for next year’s election.

He said Moreno’s governance will further improve the city and bring it to a higher level in terms of economic development.

“I anticipated that he will bring his spirit of governance to Cagayan de Oro, just like what he did to Misamis Oriental,” Cabanlas said.

Cabanlas, who was a member of the Provincial Board (PB) for 10 consecutive years under the administration of Emano as then governor, said he can’t help but compare Moreno’s accomplishments in the province amid criticisms and obstacles he faced from the majority members.

“During Emano’s term, he was not able to improve hospitals and schools in Misamis Oriental, to think that he did not have any opponent in the PB, unlike Moreno that majority of the PB members are against him,” Cabanlas said. (Annabelle L. Ricalde/Abigail Chee Kee Malalis)