Thursday, April 12, 2007 Hugpong may adopt Jeppie as 'guest bet': Avisado By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO City may yet be the only city in the country where leaders of militant groups seek inclusion in the mainstream party.
For the May 2007 elections, Jeppie Ramada, Bayan Muna's regional coordinator, has sought Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's endorsement as well as inclusion in the mayor's party -- Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod.
City Administrator Wendel E. Avisado said there is nothing wrong with the political party adopting Ramada.
It can be recalled that Bayan Muna leader turned Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad is among the original members of Hugpong in 2001.
Avisado, who is also Hugpong's secretary general, said that while the mayor has not included Ramada in the list of Hugpong candidates’ list released earlier, he will be treated as "guest candidate" of the party and, therefore, also enjoys the endorsement and blessing of the mayor.
Avisado said the decision to include Ramada in the party went through a process including a man-to-man talk between Ramada and the mayor.
"They sat down to talk with the mayor, laying down parameters that Jeppie (Ramada) has to follow in order to get Mayor Duterte's support," Avisado said.
One of the said conditions was that Ramada commit to behaving, thinking, and acting as a government official if he gets elected.
"Everything that he will do must be within the limitations set by the law and he must not act as someone out to overthrow the government as many people believe," Avisado said.
However, Avisado said the mere fact the Ramada wants to be part of the electoral process and the legislative body within the government bodes well of his intentions.
"If they are out to destroy the government, they would not seek to be in a government position," Avisado said, adding quickly that this was one of the solid reasons why the party finally decided to adopt Ramada.
Ramada's adoption, according to Avisado, is seen to "ensure a voice of dissent in the city council."
