Bakud proclaims candidates in 5th district

NINE mayors and four vice mayors in 11 local government units (LGUs) in Cebu’s fifth district will seek reelection under the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud).

They are Compostela Mayor Joel Quiño, Catmon Mayor Dan Jusay, San Francisco Mayor Aly Arquillano Sr., Poro Mayor Luciano Rama, Sogod Mayor Moonyeen Durano, Carmen Mayor Martin Gerard Villamor, Borbon Mayor Bernard Sepulveda, Tudela Mayor Erwin Yu and Pilar Mayor Jesus Fernandez and Catmon Vice Mayor Irish Gestopa, Poro Vice Mayor Edgar Rama, Carmen Vice Mayor Al Damiles and Borbon Vice Mayor Noel Dotillos.

Their proclamation took place yesterday along with several hundred supporters, including barangay leaders and councilors, who took their oath as party members.

Bakud ‘stronghold’

“Ang pangandoy sa katawhan (the public’s wish) has not changed: development and better opportunity,” said former tourism secretary Ace Durano.

Ace’s father, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, Bakud chairman emeritus, will run for mayor next year against his brother, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr.

Last Thursday night, One Cebu Party proclaimed its candidates for mayor, vice mayor and councilors in the towns of Tudela, Catmon and Liloan, all in the fifth district.

The Liberal Party (LP)-Bakud coalition will field lawyer Hilario “Junjun” Davide III for governor, with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, a Bakud member, as his runningmate.

They will be up against One Cebu’s Rep. Pablo John Garcia (third district) and former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV, respectively.

Boboy is the son of Danao City Mayor Boy.

Almost complete

Davide told reporters yesterday that the party’s slate is 90 percent complete and its candidates are ready to file their certificate of candidacy next week.

Bakud also proclaimed Provincial Board (PB) Members Jude Thaddeus Sybico and Miguel Magpale as its candidates for the board.

Its candidate for the fifth district congressional seat is Ace. Ace’s brother, Rep. Red Durano, is on his last term.

Congressman Red, Bakud chairman, said he is confident their candidates will emerge victorious next year, especially with the support of the LP.

“In the 2010, 97 percent of Bakud candidates won in the election. I am optimistic in this coming election,” he said.

Some 36 of Danao City’s 42 barangays belong to Bakud.

Cebu City South District Comelec Officer Edwin Cadungog said the barangay position is non-partisan, but the person who holds that position may join political parties if he is qualified and the party has accepted him.

Constitutional right

It has been noted that barangay officials and workers have also been joining the LP and One Cebu.

Cadungog said it is the political and constitutional right of a person to assemble and join lawful organizations.

He said it is now the responsibility of the party not to meddle during barangay elections.

One Cebu Party also proclaimed its candidates for mayors and vice mayors in Tudela, Catmon and Liloan.

One Cebu candidates

They are Loreto Maratas for mayor of Tudela and Lorento Solanto for vice mayor. Loreto is the father of incumbent Vice Mayor.

In Catmon, they are Estrella Aribal, a three-term mayor, for mayor and Angelito Rosales for vice mayor.

In Liloan, Mayor Duke Frasco, a One Cebu member, will seek reelection together with Vice Mayor Lito Pilapil.

One Cebu also announced its candidates for the municipal councils of Tudela and Catmon. It already has four candidates in Liloan and will present the other four later.