Cebu 1st Dist. Rep. Samsam Gullas accompanies DILG Secretary Mar Roxas in one of his visits in Cebu. (CDN PHOTO/ LITO TECSON)
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he is determined to resolve the quandary of Liberal Party (LP) in choosing candidates for Cebu’s 1st district.
Davide, LP Cebu chairman, admitted that the district is “problematic” since partymates and allies expressed their intention to run for elective positions in next year’s polls.
“We will talk to our leaders there for possible candidates so we can really find a solution,” he told reporters at the Capitol yesterday.
The Alayon party led by former congressman Eduardo Gullas met with Governor Davide to discuss their alliance a day before last Monday’s “Gathering of Friends” of the Liberal Party at the Cebu Coliseum.
Gullas and his grandson Rep. Samsam Gullas, who is seeking reelection, were seated in the front row on stage in the rally, indicating a favored position.
READ: How will Roxas deal with Liberal Party quandary in Cebu?
Davide said the LP’s main objective is to maximize votes for LP standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas.
“We want him to win here in Cebu. We want to deliver for Secretary Roxas,” said DAvide.
He said LP’s national hierarchy may also intervene if needed.
“We need to unite all the allies to give him the maximum benefit,” said Davide.
Alayon expressed its intention to support Governor Davide and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale in their reelection bid in 2016, and Secretary Roxas for the presidency.
But what happens to San Fernando Mayor Antonio “Abe” Canoy, LP member, who wants to seek a seat in Congress next year as well and challenge Gullas?
READ: Davide assures LP will remain intact
Talisay City, Mayor Johnny de los Reyes and Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, both Liberals, want to run for mayor next year.
Mayor de los Reyes asked the party leadership to be careful, saying Gullas, whom he defeated in 2013, has questionable loyalty.
The Alayon party supported Manny Villar in the 2010 election and allied with his Nacionalista Party.
In the 2013 election, Alayon and the Liberal Party were allies for national candidates but did not support a common local slate in Cebu.
Nevertehless, Davide, Magpale and some LP candidates won in the 1st district.
Delos Reyes recalled that in the 2010 election, Gullas expressed support to any presidential candidate who went to him.
Delos Reyes said he could see himself with Gullas in one party and added that he won’t support a “free zone” because they are loyal to LP.
Davide said it is important to be united so a solution must be reached.
But PB Member Julian Daan of the Alayon Party said the likely scenario would be that LP will declare the young Gullas as district chairman and it will also be fielding members of Alayon as its official candidates in 2016.
“Mayors under Alayon had been meeting with Governor Davide. Former Cong. Eduardo Gullas and Samsam are also meeting. That is the situation in the first district—that he and the candidates of Alayon will be the official (candidates) of LP,” said Daan, who was allied with the One Cebu Party of the Garcias.
Candidates Alayon will be fielding for mayor in the towns and cities in the first district are former Rep. Eduardo “Eddiegul” Gullas for Talisay City; incumbent Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña for re-election; and Kristine Chiong, Mayor Valdemar Chiong’s daughter, for Naga City, among others.
PB Member Raul Alcoseba of LP said reports floating about Samsam Gullas’ district chairmanship sends the “wrong signal.” He said these reports did not come from the governor and vice governor but from Roxas.
Alcoseba said he told Roxas about the dynamics in the first district, but everything changed when Alayon entered the picture. “What will happen to the LP? The action is there already, but anything can happen,” he said.