Newbies challenge Klarex, Rufus congressional bid

Former vice mayor Ian Acenas has launched his congressional bid, challenging incumbent First District Representative Rolando “Klarex” Uy who is now seeking his last term at the Congress.

In a press conference, Acenas said the people of the first district will not be “embarrassed” at the Congress and assured them that he will engage in any debates needed to push for projects in the first district.

Acenas said he wants to improve the agriculture projects in the city as well as empower farmers. He also vowed to work together with Rufus Rodriguez, who is also trying to make a comeback as the city’s 2nd District Representative, to build a hospital.

He said a hospital is important especially for the hinterland residents.

However currently, a P50-million, three-storey hospital in Barangay Lumbia is currently under construction. Also, another hospital will rise in barangay Tablon to serve the 2nd district of the city.

His opponent, Klarex Uy meanwhile vowed to continue his “brand of service which reaches the poorest of the poor”.

For his last term however, Uy said he hopes to work with city officials under Mayor Oscar Moreno’s slate to continue what he started in district 1, particularly in finishing the flood project in Cagayan de Oro.

“Sa unang termino nga diin ang konseho babag, dili ko makaimplementar sa mga structures sa kabukiran tungod kay ang gihatag nga kamandoan sa national dunay part sa local nga kagamhanan. Sa 2nd term, ang konseho is kaabag na, dali na maimplement ang structures, nagamit sa katawhan sa kabukiran nga magdala sa ilang produkto gikan sa ilang kaumahan,” Uy said.

City Councilor Alam Lim is also challenging Rufus Rodriguez who prides himself with his “promising track record of academic excellence and political will”.

As a congressman since 2007, Rodriguez has passed some 997 bills and resolutions, with 9 bills eventually became laws.

Mayor Moreno admitted that Lim may not have the “flare and flamboyance” like his opponent, but urged supporters to try Lim’s leadership. He said Lim is the “last missing piece” he needs to impose projects in the city’s district 2.

“We will try and fight hard so that District 2 will be able to keep with the momentum of the achievements of District 1,” Alam Lim said.