Well, BOPK’s allies sent us feelers, too, Labella fires back
Contrary to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s earlier statement, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said none of their allies in the barangays has signified intentions of joining Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
In a phone interview yesterday, Labella said he remains confident the opposition still has the support of majority of the 80 barangays in the city.
“I have not noted (any change) in their body language. They keep coming to the office to manifest their support because we share the same ideals and sentiments. We believe in the fight against illegal drugs. Because of their same desire as the President’s thrust in government, I don’t think there’s any barangay that will transfer to the other group,” he said.
Reports of barangay officials identified with the opposition allegedly wanting to switch sides to BOPK first made headlines last Tuesday. This, after Osmeña said he has been receiving feelers from several barangay officials, but he will not disclose their names.
Labella, on the other hand, said their group has been receiving feelers from BOPK-allied officials that they want to defect from the administration.
“I can’t say as of now (from which barangays) since it is not for me to tell, but that is not unexpected (if they will transfer to opposition). Aside from speculating, there are some who have moved to us,” he added.
The vice mayor said because of the switch in alliance, the op- position now has “to iron out” concerns on having more than one set of candidates in some barangays.
He emphasized that this may be because the barangay officials share the same ideals with their group, which is to fight the influence of illegal drugs on politics, as well as corruption.
Out of the 80 barangays in the city, 15 are identified with BOPK.
These are Barangays Guadalupe, Labangon, Tejero, Mabolo, Kalubihan, Banilad, Capitol Site, Cogon Ramos, Day-as, Kasambagan, Pahina Central, Talamban, Kinasang-an, Babag and Buhisan.
He thinks they’ll stay
Labella stood pat that none of the remaining 65 has expressed intentions of joining BOPK. “I don’t think any of these barangay captains will move to the other side,” he said.
Sought for comment, Osmeña said his earlier statement that he will consider the requests of some barangay officials to join their group after the elections still stands.
“We’ll see. But in the end, it’s the people who will decide. I will still consider them after the elections. Just remind them after the elections, I’m still the mayor but I’m giving them a chance,” he said. The mayor has been vocal about his party’s desire to secure the majority in the City Council since he assumed office in July 2016.
Tisa Barangay Captain Phillip Zafra sits as president of the Association of Barangay Councils. Zafra, who is identified with the opposition, is also an ex-officio member of the council.