If the influence of the barangay and town officials will be the basis of an election campaign, the ruling Liberal Party (LP) will is expected to score a landslide victory in most of the 47 towns in the province, to include the capital city in the coming May polls.
Some 10,000 barangay captains led by Liga ng mga Barangay (Bohol Chapter) Council president, Board Member Moloy Cepedoza as well as town councilors jammed the Bohol Wisdom School gymnasium yesterday as a show of force that indeed the administration party is unbeatable in Bohol in the coming May elections.
Political observers said the political machinery of the ruling party can spell victory in the coming polls. The early forecast is that even LP presidential bet Mar Roxas and running mate, Leni Robredo will win in the ballot count in Bohol, mainly because of the strengthened political structure to be tapped during the campaign period which will stat on March 25.
However, the recent declaration of re-electionist Rep. Aris Aumentado (NPC) to campaign for the opposition in his district was viewed to affect the expected votes of the administration bloc. The second district solon said he will support presidential bet Jejomar Binay, as well as gubernatorial bet, Loay Mayor May Imboy and 3rd congressional bet, former Carmen Mayor Cheche Toribio de los Reyes.
On the eve of his 56th natal day, Gov. Chatto rallied the barangay officials to unify their powers and capabilities in order to maintain sustainable development.
Barely 34 days before the start of the campaign period for local officials, the barangay captains and councilors coming from 1,109 barangays wore yellow shirts to show support and loyalty to the ruling party.
The occasion dubbed as “Barangay Day,” was graced by LP vice presidential timber, Rep. Leni Robredo who was their keynote speaker.
Ms. Robredo assured the barangay and town leaders of the administration’s sustained development programs while the national government lined up the necessary budget required to implement these programs. She appealed for support for LP standard bearer Roxas and herself in order to continue the “Daang Matuwid” of Pres. Aquino.
In attendance were close to 10,000 barangay captains and councilors who attended the 2nd Barangay Officials Day Gov. Chatto rallied the barangay officials to free Bohol from illegal and prohibited drugs and criminality. “If we love Bohol, then, let’s close ranks and topple down the menace of drugs and other criminal incidents.” the governor stressed . He said because of such daunting task, the Provincial Peace and Order Council has organized a Task Force, with different groups in order to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, human trafficking , and other acts against the law. . However, Chatto underscored that health is still his priority concern implemented under the HEAT IT Bohol Caravan.
Meanwhile, the governor announced that the provincial government will pay the Philhealth memberships of barangay officials. For this purpose, he has assigned a point man and an office created for all Philhealth transactions at the provincial capitol.