Monday, August 06, 2007 ABC chief to yield if Gullas fields Belleza in October polls
TALISAY City Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Osmundo Manreal Jr. said he will leave his fate to Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Cebu, 1st district) after talks that former vice mayor Aberdovey Belleza is running for barangay captain in Mohon.
“I will abide by whatever his decision is,” said Manreal, a staunch Gullas ally.
He said he met with Gullas recently, and the latter reportedly pledged his full support for his reelection bid as village chief of Pook and his aim at getting the ABC post again in the City Council.
This will be Manreal’s last term if he gets elected as Pook barangay captain in the Oct. 29 barangay elections.
Meanwhile, he described Belleza’s plan to run for barangay captain in Mohon as mere rumors because the latter never mentioned it in their previous meetings.
Ex-officie
According to talks circulating in Barangay Mohon, Belleza, who lost in the May 14 polls, intends to run for barangay captain so he can return to the City Council through the ABC.
The ABC president, which will be elected by barangay captains, sits as an ex-officio member of the council.
“He (Belleza) never mentioned that in our last meeting. He said he would just support the candidates of Gullas,” Manreal said.
Incumbent Mohon Barangay Captain Dario Villaber earlier said he was willing to give way to Belleza, whom he considers as a political ally and strong contender for the position.
Winning chance
Mohon Councilor Beatriz Alisoso said Belleza has a better chance of winning in October because of his solid supporters in the barangay.
Alisoso cited the results in the last May 14 elections where Belleza, a Kampi-Alayon vice mayoral bet, got a commanding lead of 1,600 votes over elected Vice Mayor Lani Abarquez’s 700.
Belleza, for his part, refused to confirm this in an interview. (GC)
