Team Rama dads eye Mabatid for ABC
Barug Team RamaPDP Laban is considering supporting Mabolo Barangay Captain Niña Mabatid as president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Cebu City.
This after its ally, Tisa Village Chief Phillip Zafra, withdrew his re-election bid owing to lack of supporters.
Record shows that 26 village chiefs are affiliated with Barug Team Rama-PDP Laban, while 50 are allied with Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia, City Council’s minority floor leader, said Mabatid has shown interest in running for the position, stressing that she is capable of leading the ABC.
Mabatid is considering of running for federation president, although she reportedly has not made her mind up. She was recently kicked out from BOPK following reports that she may run against the mayor’s bet, Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklyn Ong, for ABC president.
“Kap Mabatid is sincere and is there to serve the ABC. She has no business interest in the city government and is not after huge contracts with Cebu City Hall. Serbisyo ug dili negosyo ang kinahanglan sa ABC,” Garcia said.
Garcia said though the group has yet to talk about the decision of Zafra, who also declared his independence from the local party last Friday.
“That’s his personal choice. Leading the ABC is a big task which he has performed very well and I hope he will reconsider his decision,” Garcia said in a text message to The FREEMAN.
Councilor Jose Daluz III, an ally of Zafra, said the group respects the decision of the “veteran politician.”
However, some allies of Zafra at the City Council are hoping that he will reconsider his decisions.
Daluz said the pronouncement of Zafra who declared independence from the group won’t pave the way for the latter to ship allegiance to BOPK.
In previous months, Zafra has been vocal that the current administration is inviting him to join the group.
But, Zafra said he will not leave the party that helped him.
Councilor Pastor Alcover, Jr., for his part, said he also supports Zafra’s decisions.
He said Zafra’s decision to leave the group is the “best,” saying that barangay officials should be non-partisan.
Councilor Erik Miguel Espina also shared Alcover’s sentiments.
“Being City Councilor is due to his election as current ABC head. This is consistent with the non-partisan intent of barangay elections and office,” Espina said.
POLLS
Moreover, the elections for ABC federation president and other officers, including the board of directors, are set on July 30.
The winner will have a seat in the council as ex-officio member.
The ABC presidency is expected to make a change in the political landscape in the City Council.
At present, both BOPK and Barug Team Rama-PDP Laban have nine members.
In cases of 9-9 vote deadlocks, Labella, a member of the opposition, will break the tie which will be in favor of his party. —