LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Arturo “Boy” Radaza, his wife Paz, and other city officials have been coming out with newspaper advertisements expressing their gratitude and appreciation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Congress for passing the law creating the lone congressional district of Lapu-Lapu.

But why did they not include the name of sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, principal proponent of the bill, in the ads? Radaza should be reminded that Inday Nerry was instrumental in the creation of the district and should get credit for it.

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The Oponganons should be thankful that Inday Nerry gave priority to Lapu-Lapu when she could have done it first to Mandaue City. Radaza should show gratitude despite his political differences with the congresswoman. But it seems he is grabbing the credit.

And why did they include Paz in the advertisements’ photos when she is not a city official? Is it to advance her political interest? Paz is being groomed to succeed her husband, so it's free publicity for her in the guise of a congratulatory message and at the expense of taxpayers. What a shame.

Radaza, who is on his last term, is eyeing the congressional seat in Lapu-Lapu. Sus! Boy should admit his limitation in public speaking. The work of a local chief executive is different from that of a congressman. How can he debate and argue in Congress when he has communication skills problem?

Dili man gani siya modiskurso dinhi, didto pa kaha sa Kongreso? Morag magpili og amang nga kongresista ang taga-Opon kun si Radaza ang ilang pilion.

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The inclusion of former councilor Ronald Cuenco in the slate for councilor of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) in the south district could be part of another strategy of Mayor Tomas Osmeña. Tomas and Rep. Tony Cuenco, Ronald’s father, had been at odds and had engaged in a verbal tussle. But how come Ronald is in BOPK’s lineup?

I think the move is meant to prevent Tony from forging an alliance with opposition leader Jonathan “Atan” Guardo, Tomas opponent in the south congressional race. Tony, who is on his last term, has many followers and if he links up with Guardo, Tomas might encounter difficulties in beating Atan.

For his part, Tony will no longer be poking his fingers into local politics and will just concentrate on campaigning for his favored presidential candidate. In politics, that’s called horse trading.

(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)