Zafra won’t jump ship, Labella says

Despite the pronouncement of Tisa Barangay Captain and Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Phillip Zafra that he will now focus on his barangay as an independent public official, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella is confident that the former will not jump ship.

“I take his word that he is going to be independent. But eventually, if he will transfer to another group, that is his choice. I will respect whatever decision he will have,” Labella said.

Zafra declared his independence from any political group last Friday after announcing that he will no longer seek reelection in the ABC elections on July 30 to focus on his barangay.

Labella said that the opposition respects Zafra’s wishes.

“Whatever it is, ang important is that were doing our job. Di kay ko particular about political posturings. Ang importante maka serbisyo ta in whatever capacity, whether in the minority or the majority. After all, it is the people who will decide on how we serve them,” he added.

Just three days after the May 14 barangay elections, Labella told reporters that endorsing Zafra for the second time is the “most logical” option since he is the present head of ABC.

Zafra was supposed to be the opposition’s candidate against Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan’s (BOPK) bet Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklyn Ong. But with Mabolo Barangay Captain Prisca Niña Mabatid in the picture, there might be a change in the presidential aspirants.

Before she was disowned as a BOPK ally by Mayor Tomas Osmeña last month, Mabatid has been vocal about being endorsed by the Office of the President for president of the ABC.

“In principle, nagka-istorya man sad mi ni Phillip Zafra that he is inclined to support Niña Mabatid and I take his word for it. If si Phillip gani mu-support, ako said. But I can’t vote, it’s up to the barangay captains,” Labella said.