Jose Daluz III has resigned as vice president of Barug-PDP Laban coalition so that he can revive his mother’s party, the Partido Panaghiusa. | CDN Digital file photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A popular political party in Cebu City will be revived and its leader have indicated the formation of a coalition with Barug-PDP Laban ahead of the 2022 elections.
Former Cebu City Councilor Jose “Joey” Daluz, III has officially resigned as vice president from Barug-PDP Laban in the last week of February 2021 to revive Partido Panaghiusa.
The party was formed by Daluz’s mother, broadcaster Nenita Cortes “Inday Nita” Daluz, along with late Cebu City Councilor Antonio Cuenco and the late Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña.
In a phone interview with reporters, Daluz said that he was informed that his mother’s party was still registered with the Commission and Elections (Comelec) and he had decided to revive it for her sake.
He now intends to form a coalition with Barug-PDP Laban to support a singular banner candidate for mayorship in 2022 elections.
Mayor Edgardo Labella will be named as honorary chairman of Partido Panaghiusa, an indication of support for the possible running of the incumbent mayor for another term in 2022.
“Confirming that this is a support to the mayor. Yes, we are inviting him as honorary chairman, wala man siyay local party. Open kaayo na niya as an honorary chairmanship,” said Daluz.
(We are confirming that this a support to the mayor. Yes, we are inviting him as honorary chairman since he has no local party. The position as honorary chairman is open for him.)
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Daluz is also longstanding ally of Barug Team Rama, held positions at City Hall, and was considered one of the party’s most trusted members.
Mayor Labella said he welcomed the intention of Daluz for a coalition and understood the need for Daluz to resign from Barug-PDP Laban.
“Because he is the vice president of Barug and it would be somehow inconsistent if he is vice president of Barug, which is a regional party, and he will also be president of Panaghiusa regional party,” said Labella.
Labella is a member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s national party, PDP Laban, which is currently coalition with local party, Barug Team Rama formed by Vice Mayor Michael Rama.
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