Girlie asks Pres. Du30 to lead oathtaking rites

AFTER a surprise top spot win in the city council seat in Cagayan de Oro City, newly elected Joyleen Mercedes “Girlie” Balaba has asked the president Rodrigo Duterte, to lead the oathtaking ceremonies for her and her partymates.

Balaba said that the president already knew that she won, and shared that he was happy about it.

“Kabalo na si presidente nga kita nakadaog sa piliay ug dako iyang pasalamat ug nalipay siya sa suporta nga gipakita sa katawhan kanato kung aha affirmation pud nga suportado sa katawhan si President Duterte,” Balaba said

(The president knew that I won in the election, and he was thankful and happy to the support shown by the people to me, which also an affirmation that the people also supported President Duterte)

She said that she invited that the president agreed to take her oath but it is still subject to his schedule availability..

Balaba was a former TV journalist in Davao City but a native of Cagayan de Oro, it was during her stint as a newscaster when she and Duterte became close friends.

She ran for councilor for the second district

under the administration party of reelected mayor Oscar Moreno.

Duterte has been endorsing the candidacy of Balaba in the city. The president often talks to Balaba during campaign sorties, here.

The neophyte politician grabbed the first spot in the city’s second district councilors with 73,612 votes.

She said the endorsement of Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio may be a factor of her victory.

Balaba said she did not expect that she will get the first spot, but she vowed that she will not fail the Kagay-anons and she will make good of her promise during her campaign.

She also said she will work closely with the administration in bringing the programs and services of the national government to the city.

Balaba wants to handle committees that would look into the welfare of women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual community.

Other than Balaba, the president also endorsed the candidacy of aspiring councilor Rhona Canoy, congressional bet Yam Lam “Alam” Lim and opposition’s mayoral candidate and former Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Jose Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña, but the rest of them lost in the election.

Canoy was on the 17th spot while Lim lost his bid to comebacking congressman Rufus Rodriguez with a wide margin of 35,212 votes.

La Viña also lost to Moreno with a difference of 68,080 votes.

Balaba’s top spot victory in the 2nd district was a close fight between her and incumbent City Councilor Ma. Lourdes Gaane, which had a vote difference only of 782.

“I will not disappoint the people, I consider myself now as government worker,” Balaba added.

“I will pursue my campaign promise and will not disappoint the people of Cagayan de Oro,” she said. (with PJ ORIAS)