Sunday, July 29, 2007 Opposition targets barangays
WITH the barangay elections just three months away, what remains of the local opposition in Cebu City is bracing to clash against well-funded and well-supported political rivals.
Since he can no longer seek another term, Punta Princesa Barangay Captain Jose Navarro is fielding his son Lito, a neophyte in the political scene, to replace him.
“My son is young. But I have held the post for a long time (35 years). I challenge the people, if they want continuity in projects, they should back my son. In my years in public service, I have come up with a lot of projects without the help of City Hall,” he told Sun.Star in Cebuano.
Lito, he said, is just 32 years old but is willing to serve the people of Punta Princesa. Navarro said he was 28 when he was elected.
He is banking on the support of the Navarro clan, which helped him topple opponents fielded by the Bando Osmeńa Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) despite the non-partisan nature of barangay elections.
Poblacion Pardo Barangay Captain Danilo Lim said that if “unseen forces” are not used against him, he is confident of getting the nod of his constituents again.
“My rivals are saying that if the people vote for me, the barangay won’t get any projects from the City. How can the City give us any project when it has its hands full paying for the SRP (South Road Properties)?” he said in Cebuano.
Lim and Navarro ran for city councilor under Tribu Guardo in the May 14 elections but lost.
Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Ann delos Santos, who was Tribu Guardo’s mayoral candidate, could not be reached yesterday, as she was having a “fellowship” with all barangay officials and employees. She is on her second term and has the option of running for barangay captain again.
Tinago Barangay Captain Joel Garganera is thinking about taking a break from politics, but also doesn’t “discount the possibility of running for barangay councilor... There is nothing degrading in serving the people, whatever your position in government,” he said. (RHM)
