Team Deretso, the camp of Arturo “Boy” Radaza, will regroup to discuss their next steps after his loss in the mayoralty bid against Junard “Ahong” Chan. | CDND Photo / Futch Anthony Inso
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — It looks like the Radaza camp is not yet ready to concede to Junard “Ahong” Chan’s victory.
Members of the Team Deretso led by former congressman and former mayor Arturo “Boy” Radaza, who aimed to win as city mayor, will meet to discuss their next move after the group was surprised with the results of the recently concluded May 13, 2019 mid-term elections.
“Magsabot pami,” Radaza’s response after he was asked by members of the media if they are planning to file an election protest against the camp of Team Libre led by Pajo barangay captain and elected Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan.
Chan won the elections after he garnered 85,976 votes against Radaza’s 66,108 votes.
Radaza said he was surprised with the results because Chan won in the same precinct where he (Radaza) voted.
Radaza said he only won in three barangays within Lapu-Lapu City mainland. This include Barangays Punta Engaño, Calawisan ang Suba Basbas.
In Olango Island, however, Radaza’s team won in all barangays namely: Baring, Caw-oy, Sabang, Santa Rosa, Talima, Tingo, Tungasan, San Vicente and the islet barangays of Caohagan and Pangan-an.
In totality, the city has around 214,000 registered voters.
Radaza told reporters that he has allies in 28 out of the 30 barangays with its village chiefs supporting their group.
This is why he is perplexed why Chan won the elections.
Radaza did not give a clear answer when he asked if he thinks that the opposing party cheated on the elections.
Aside from Radaza, incumbent councilor and defeated vice-mayoral candidate Harry “Don” Radaza has also shared the same sentiments with his uncle.
“Maayo man kaayo ang dagan sa among kampanya, mao na nga katingad-an lang kaayo,” Harry said, who also serves as the campaign manager of the group.
(Our campaign run was doing well so it is weird why the results came out that way.)
Chan’s running mate, Celsi Sitoy, won the vice-mayoralty race after he gathered 70,533 votes compared to Harry’s 64,941 votes.
But Team Deretso, Radaza’s camp, has acquired the majority seat in the Sangguniang Panlungsod after ten of their councilor-candidates have won the elections. The other two councilors came from Chan’s camp, Team Libre.
Elected city councilors are: Marcial Ycong (86,182 votes); Rico Amores (67,134 votes); Efren Herrera (64,613 votes); Queenie Malingin (62, 213 votes); Junrey Gestopa (59,473 votes); and Babon Potot (59,349 votes).
Also elected in the city council are: Rex Mangubat (56,507 votes); Janvi dela Serna (56,470 votes); Epoy Paquibot (56,089 votes); Nelson Yap (55,969 votes); Bobit Hiyas (55,970 votes); and Joe Dungog (54,993 votes).
In a separate interview, Chan said that he is hoping to have a harmonious working relationship with the newly-elected councilors, in order to serve the Lapu-Lapu City constituents better.
“Siyempre gipili ta sa katawhan wala guro ta’y pili kun asa ta nga partido. Kun sila matinud-anon sila sa ilang saad sa katawhan nga sila moserbisyo nga tinarong ug tinud-anay, seguro akoa, transparent man ko sa akong panggobyerno,” Chan said.
(We were chosen by the people so we should not take sides based on our political affiliations. If they remain truthful with their promises to the people to serve in truth and honesty, I will also be transparent in my governance.)
Chan said that he will fulfill his promises such as the improvement of the services in the Lapu-lapu City Hospital and public market, and the implementation of the socialized housing program.
Incumbent Lapu-Lapu City City Mayor and Congresswoman-elect Paz Radaza said she is not totally happy with its outcome even if he won in the elections.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa tanang Oponganon nga nisuporta sa amoa. Ingon lang ko nga subo kaayo paminawon ba kay this is not what we are expecting sa kani nga panghitabo. But still, naa ra gyud mi para sa katawhan,” she said.
(I am thankful to all the Oponganon who supported us. It is just sad to know that this is the result because this is not what we are expecting to happen. But still, we are here for the people.) / celr