Davide sticks with LP, expects mayors’ exodus to PDP–Laban

Saying that mayors have their own agenda, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, seen here speaking during the opening of Cebu Business Month, says he still expects President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to help fund projects in the province. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III sees no problem with local Liberal Party (LP) allies jumping ship to the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

While saying that shifting alliances is “normal” in politics, Davide said he will remain loyal to LP.

“I’m not discounting that possibility. (It’s) very, very possible. Our (local) partymates have their own agenda for their towns,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

He said that he will not bar municipal and city mayors allied with LP if they ask for his permission to officially pledge allegiance to PDP-Laban.

Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu Chapter, said he will meet with all LP mayors in order to discuss the possible change of alliance.

Diamante said though that it’s “most likely” that the mayors will really go for PDP-Laban although nobody has formally informed him as of this time.

“It’s impossible nga wala (that there will be no mayors shifting allegiance), considering for the next six years, our president is Digong. We all know that we need allies sa taas (at the national government). How can we work on our projects if we don’t get help?” he told Cebu Daily News in a phone interview yesterday.

He said he expects the Duterte presidency to be good since being a longtime mayor of Davao City, the incoming president should know very well the struggles and problems encountered by local chief executives especially without support from the national government.

Diamante also said he’s supportive of Duterte’s advocacy on federalism, which he said will be beneficial for local government units.

But Davide said he’ll work on his own to also get funding and support for the province.

“If you ask me, I’ll remain with LP. I don’t have to switch parties just to gain favors from the new administration.

Maningkamot lang pud ta (We will just try our best too),” Davide said.

“Sympathetic man pud si President-elect Duterte tingali sa mga Cebuanos kay Bisaya man (Maybe President-elect Duterte is also sympathetic to Cebuanos since he’s a Bisaya),” he added.

Davide also said he has no questions on Duterte’s choice for Cabinet members including Cebuano businessman Michael Dino whom he said is a friend of his. On incoming Vice President Leni Robredo of the LP not getting a Cabinet position, Davide said it’s the president’s choice and decision.

He said he’s confident that Robredo will still do her job to serve the public.

Meanwhile, Davide also announced yesterday that he will be appointing Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Baltazar Tribunalo as the concurrent officer-in-charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro).

He said outgoing Penro head lawyer Chad Estella submitted his irrevocable resignation together with his courtesy resignation before the elections. Estella’s last day at work will be today, June 3.