A FORMER broadcast journalist, who is said to be a close friend of President Rodrigo Duterte, is seeking a seat in the city council to serve as "voice" of women, youth, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community and other marginalized groups in the society.
Aspiring Cagayan de Oro City councilor Girlie Balaba said public service is not strange to her though she may be a neophyte in politics.
Balaba, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, is known to be a close friend of then mayor Rodrigo Duterte, when she worked as reporter in Davao City sometime in 2000. She is running for city councilor for the second district under the administration ticket.
"Ako ang mahimong tingog sa mga babaye, panalipdan ug pakigbisogan ko ang katunogod sa mga babaye, youth, LGBT community, persons with disabilities ug uban pa, ug duyogan ko sila sa ilang kawsa," Balaba said.
Balaba was accompanied by her supporters as she filed her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) on Wednesday, together with the administration slate.
"Dako akong pasalamat sa nagsalig sa ako ug unta kung matagaan sa higayon nga makalingkod sa konseho magpabilin ang ilang suporta," she added.
Balaba said her experience as broadcast journalist in Davao City for years has opened her eyes to the real situation and needs of the people in the communities.
"As media personality sayod kita unsay gakahitabo ug sitwasyon sa komunidad and we report it busa kung anaa na kita diha sa gobyerno mahimo nato nga ma-address ang mga issues sa communities," Balaba said. (With VLA/SunStar Philippines)