Osmeña ‘disowns’ ex-BOPK candidate
Lawyer Reymelio Delute is not a candidate of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) in next month’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
“Notice to the people of Basak San Nicolas: Mr. Delute is NOT a candidate of BOPK in the upcoming barangay elections. Do not let his posters mislead you,” said Cebu City Mayor and BOPK head Tomas Osmeña in his official Facebook page.
A photo of what appears to be Delute’s campaign materials posted on a gate in the barangay was uploaded on Osmeña’s page yesterday morning.
The posters show photos of Delute and his three councilors with the words “Pundok Delute.” These also have the official logo of BOPK.
In his news conference yesterday, Osmeña admitted that Delute was identified with BOPK, having run for barangay captain under the party before losing to incumbent Barangay Captain Norman Navarro.
Delute was behind the case filed against the previous administration, involving the distribution of P20,000 worth of calamity aid to 4,200 City Hall employees in 2013.
Filed on July 3, 2014, Delute’s complaint was based on the cash assistance following two disasters: the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda.
The complaint resulted in the suspension of former mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 city councilors.
Blacklisted
BOPK, though, has since blacklisted Delute for allegedly extorting money from vendors in the area.
“He said he will get all these vendors and make them register but I suspect it’s moneymaking. In other words, he wants to collect from the vendors. You know how I feel about that. He was identified with BOPK but after that happened, I just cut him off,” Osmeña said.
Delute, for his part, said that he told the mayor about his intention to run for office in October 2016 yet. He added that Osmeña promised to support him back then.
“Of course, he’s entitled to change his mind. At this point, I will respect the fact that he abandoned me but that is his prerogative. Of course, I’m downhearted. I don’t deserve that kind of treatment,” he said in Cebuano.
Although “disheartened” by Osmeña’s pronouncement, the lawyer said he has no plans to join the opposition.
He said that he supports the principles of BOPK, not just the mayor, per se.
He also said that he is willing to take down his campaign materials if the Commission on Elections says so since the campaign period doesn’t start until May 4 yet.
Of course, he’s entitled to change his mind. At this point, I will respect the fact that he abandoned me but that is his prerogative. Of course, I’m downhearted. I don’t deserve that kind of treatment.
ATTY. REYMELIO DELUTE