Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he was saddened by the departure of Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and City Councilors Danilo Caballero and Aldin Diaz from the local Liberal Party (LP) chapter after more than five years in their fold.
“While I am saddened, these are political realities we cannot avoid. I respect the decision of Vice Mayor Villarante. I texted him this morning. He responded. I thanked him for his support,” Davide told reporters yesterday.
The three former members were with Davide during the 2010 and 2013 elections.
Villarante and the two councilors left the LP because of the party’s decision to retain Talisay Mayor Johnny de los Reyes as the city’s standard-bearer in 2016.
Another factor was the entry of the Gullas-led Alayon party as new allies of LP. Former congressman Eduardo Gullas has expressed support for LP standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas for the presidency.
Alayon also supported the re-election bids of Governor Davide and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale. In last Friday’s meeting with other LP members in the first district, the governor said Villarante pledged to continue supporting Roxas.
“We have to make very difficult decisions that sometimes will anger someone. I am expecting that. That time will come,” Davide said.
Davide said he was determined to resolve party differences and expects more LP meetings next week.