Mayor: Family solidarity behind party shift

MAYOR Adelino Sitoy of Cordova town and some Cebu councilors will take their oath as allies of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) tomorrow before Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas III, party president, and gubernatorial bet Hilario “Junjun” Davide III.

Last Wednesday, Adelino announced his decision to join LP, citing his “family solidarity,” and submitted his irrevocable resignation from One Cebu Party of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

“While I have managed to survive from my political differences with my son (Provincial Board Member) Arleigh, I find it extremely difficult, at my age, to be politically at odds with my grandchildren, especially lawyer Leighna Katrina Sitoy-Abarquez who has joined the Liberal Party,” the mayor said in his letter to the governor.

Arleigh and Abarquez were grateful that they, including Adelino, now belong to one party.

“I am happy that my father has finally been liberated. He brings along with him a bag full of experience with the Liberal Party,” the PB member said.

Abarquez is reportedly being groomed to replace her grandfather as mayor of Cordova. Adelino, on the other hand, will reportedly run as vice mayor.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing (Cebu, sixth district) welcomed Adelino to the party.

Magpale said that Sitoy’s oathtaking ceremony will be held at the Sacred Heart Center, Cebu City.

Party unity

She said Adelino’s affiliation to LP has completed the party unity in the sixth district, with Quisumbing, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado in the helm.

“We believe that we can be agents of positive change as members of LP in our district,” said Quisumbing.

Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, third district), One Cebu Party secretary general, said he already expected the move of Adelino.

“Considering that his latest moves, like sliding to vice mayor in favor of an LP candidate, and that remaining with One Cebu have been, to say the least, awkward,” Pablo John said in his text message.

Pablo John, though, still wishes Adelino well.

“And hope that he will be showered with as much love and affection that One Cebu and Gov. Gwen have showered him and the people of Cordova all these years,” he said.