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Monday, January 22, 2007
3 Senate aspirants schmooze during fiesta
By Jeanette P. Malinao & Linette C. Ramos
CEBU CITY -- Aspiring senators want to get the Cebuanos' support in the May elections, and what better way to get it than to attend Cebu's grandest festival?
At least three politicians went to the Cebu City Sports Center grandstand Sunday to mingle with local officials, hoping for their endorsement in the elections.
Sun.Star Network Online's Sinulog Festival Coverage
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Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Mike Defensor said he decided to be in Cebu today so he can greet the Cebuanos "Pit Senyor!"
He also hopes to get the support of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña in the May elections, but said he wasn't able to discuss it with the mayor Sunday.
"I hope I'll be supported by him and the people of Cebu... Mayor Tom is one of our stalwarts in Cebu and I'm sure that any endorsement from the mayor will be a strong advantage for any candidate," he told reporters.
Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson and Bukidnon Representative Miguel Zubiri also attended Sunday's festivities and joined Cebu City officials at the grandstand.
Like Defensor, Singson said having local allies will be a big help in the coming elections.
Osmeña already announced earlier that he will be endorsing Singson in all campaign activities of his political party Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).
"It's really a plus factor. It will really help me in Cebu if Mayor Osmeña endorses me," said Singson, who saw the Sinulog festival for the first time.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was a no-show in Sunday's grand parade, but her name was repeatedly mentioned throughout the program as one of the sponsors of the "See Cebu in a Carousel" presentation.
The names of the city mayor, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Governor Gwen Garcia and Vice Governor Greg Sanchez were also repeatedly mentioned, as well as the City Council and the Provincial Board, as sponsors of the project.
Before their planned walk from Fuente Osmeña to the grandstand to meet people, Defensor and Singson announced before Cebu media that they are running for senator.
So far, only Defensor, Singson and Zubiri from the administration have formally announced their candidacy.
Defensor said he has helped some 25,000 to 30,000 people in Cebu who were beneficiaries of government lands here that were identified as socialized housing sites.
However, he admitted he expects a relatively easy time in Cebu, considering they are affiliated with President Arroyo's party, and Arroyo won here.
"It may be easier in terms of acceptability, in the sense that as a member of Cabinet, people can identify with you in delivery of services. But in the end, it's a question of individual capacity because of the Cebuanos' discernment and choice of candidates," said Defensor.
Singson, for his part, promised to push for decentralization to empower local government units further.
Zubiri, meanwhile, sponsored the Biofuels Act.
Defensor said that President Arroyo has yet to come up with a final slate, as they are still negotiating with some individuals. "But the opposition will be surprised with our slate," he added.
They were eyeing Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano, who declined.
Without Durano, there appears to be none from Cebu in Arroyo's short list of senatorial candidates.
"In that case, we are now adopted sons of Cebu," Singson joked with Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde, who endorsed them Sunday. (Sun.Star Cebu)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (January 22, 2007 issue)
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