LMP Cebu head asks fellow mayors to back Digong

Governor Davide administers the oath-taking of the new officers of LMP Cebu chapter. (CDN PHOTO/JOSE SANTINO BUNACHITA)

Despite their different political affiliations, Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante asked his fellow Cebu mayors to support the programs of President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte, especially against illegal drugs.

Diamante, who received a fresh mandate as president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu chapter, also assured his fellow mayors that he will always be available if they have concerns.

The new set of officers of the LMP Cebu chapter took their oath of office before Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday morning.

“Let us all be catalysts of change in our respective municipalities. Gihangyo ko pud kamo nga unta atong suportaan ang programa sa atong pinalanggang presidente, si President Rodrigo Duterete. Ilabi na sa iyang kampanya batok sa illegal nga drogas. Kay ang iyang kadaugan, kadaugan natong tanan (I’m also requesting you if possible to support the programs of our president, President Rodrigo Duterte, especially on his campaign against illegal drugs because his success is also our success),” he said in a speech.

In an interview after his speech, Diamante clarified that he is still with the Liberal Party (LP).

But he said he won’t oppose if other mayors in the province decide to shift allegiance to the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) of President Duterte.

Diamante said no mayor has informed him yet of their intention to jump ship to the administration party. He said he feels “honored and privileged” to be reelected as LMP president.

“I’m your president but I’m your servant. For the new mayors, don’t be shy to approach me because it will be my great joy to serve you all,” Diamante said.

Aside from Diamante, also sworn in were Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado as executive vice president for internal affairs; Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante for external affairs; San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya as secretary; San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez as treasurer; Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Cho as auditor; Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. as legal counsel and Dumanjug Mayor Efren Gica as public relations officer.

The LMP’s board of directors includes Mayors Aly Arquillano of San Francisco, Inocentes Cabaron of Moalboal, Stanley Caminero of Argao, Arthur Despi of Bantayan, Jose Esgana of Sta. Fe, Augustus Moreno of Aloguinsan, Lizza Marie Streegan of Sogod, and Marilyn Wenceslao of Santander.

In his speech, Governor Davide said the provincial government will always support the mayors. In turn, he also asked the mayors to support the programs of the province.

“We know all the mayors of our towns in the province have the will to serve. That is the motto of the LMP. I have no doubt about that. I’m sure you will have programs in your local governments and we in the provincial government are willing and ready to support your programs that are for our constituents,” Davide said.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, some Provincial Board members and other mayors were also present during the ceremony.