Magpale: LP bets won’t be left behind

Candidates of the Liberal Party (LP) in Cebu’s 1st district are assured of funding ànd logistics support even though the area is declared a “free zone”, said  Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale yesterday.

“We will not neglect  LP candidates in the 1st district,” Magpale told reporters.

She spoke  after Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III went on stage in Carcar City to endorse Alayon party candidates, including reelectionist Mayor Nicepuro Apura last Wednesday. He raised their hands  in a rally.

The free zone status of Cebu’s 1st district which is  dominated by the Alayon party is  part of a compromise made by Davide and the Alayon party of the Gullas family to ensure votes for LP standard-bearer Mar Roxas.

Davide reportedly said he would   not go on stage to endorse either  LP or Alayon candidates  in the district when the  official campaign period starts in March 2016.   However,  both sides will be supporting his reelection bid.

The vice governor said Davide was warned by “well-meaning friends” about this move

Magpale said there were fears that this may lead to the neglect of original LP candidates in the district and loss of support for his reelection bid.

Magpale  said the governor explained to her that he was doing this for Roxas.

Quoting Davide, Magpale said it was “the risk I will take because I am really doing this for the party.”

Due to close family relations between Roxas and  the Gullas clan, 1st District Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas was favored by Roxas  over   San Fernando Mayor Antonio “Abe” Canoy who would have run under the LP.

Sacrifice

Magpale described this as a “sacrifice” because even when Davide was warned, he still went ahead with the action.

“He sacrificed himself for a greater cause which is the party’s cause,” she said.

Davide flew to Manila yesterday for business with President Benigno Aquino III, according to his staff.

In a text message to Cebu Daily News, Rep. Samsam  Gullas said he believes Davide will also most likely endorse Alayon slates, led by incumbent mayors, in other local government units.

Earlier, Gullas asked the governor not to grant certificates of nomination s or CONAs to LP challengers in Carcar City, Naga City, Minglanilla and Sibonga.

“I believe this is a fair compromise, endorsing Alayon candidates in the 1st district,” Gullas said.

However, Davide did issue CONAs  for LP bets in these towns and cities.

Gullas said he doesn’t expect LP to give  support  other than  “raising the hands” of Alayon candidates on stage.

LP mayoral bets in the 1st district are incumbent Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes, Naga City Councilor Vince del Mar, former Minglanilla Mayor Marlon Cañada, and Ferdinand Ponce in Sibonga.

For Carcar city, LP Cebu is fielding for mayor Raul Alcoseba, an incumbent Provincial Board member, and his council slate.