Yt Framework

Unperturbed on the twin petitions calling the Comelec office to disqualify his registration as a voter under District 2, former Zamboanga del Norte congressman and mayoral aspirant Romeo Jalosjos last Friday speaheaded the the signing of the covenant for him and partymates to adhere on the Aggrupation for Peace and Prosperity (APP) party’s 25-point agenda that would spur the economic growth of Zamboanga City.

At the same time, Jalosjos presented, although not final and still incomplete, the party’s slate for District 1 and Distric 2.

Jalosjos said former Dapitan councilor Mercy Arquiza Fernandez will be his running mate because he needs her to preside in the Sangguniang Panlungsod as she is the most trusted ally.

A sudden turn of event that surprised everybody was the announcement by Jalosjos that former priest Crisanto “Monsi” dela Cruz has been chosen to run for congressman in District 1 vice Councilor Mel Sadain who willingly slid back for the councilor position.

“It was my family and friends who told me to finish my last term as councilor the reason why I willingly gave Monsi the chance to run for congressman,” Sadain disclosed.

Jalosjos presented the would-be candidates who will run for councilors under District 1 as follows, Councilor Mel Sadain, Councilor Rudy Bayot, Jara Bernardo, Jerson Monteverde, Marlon Torres and Butch Blanco. The two remaining slots will be named soon by Jalosjos.

For District 2, its still former vice mayor Mannix Dalipe who will run for the congressional seat while the would-be councilors are former councilors Kim Elago, Jihan Edding, former vice mayor Susan Delos Reyes, retired Col. Rex Miravite, Tetuan kagawad John Dalipe, Mohammad Nur Ajihil, broadcaster Jimmy Villaflores while the two others will be chosen by Jalosjos.

After the signing of the covenant and presentation of the would-be candidates, a media press conference followed.

Asked about their reactions on the twin petitions filed by Jomar Lobregat and Congresswoman Isabelle Climaco Salazar calling Comelec office to delete the name of Jalosjos as a registered voter in District 2, legal counsel Atty. Giovanni Luistro said they are not threatened nor troubled about it.

“We will study about it and fight all the way to the Supreme Court,” LUistro declared.

When also asked what will be their plan B if Comelec will indeed remove the name of Jalosjos in the Comelec roster of registered voters, “we will not telegraph our punches, we have battery of lawyers to counter such case."

As a show of support, no less than Dapitan City Mayor Jane Chan and some councilors and at least 50 barangay chairmen from Dapitan including engineers were also present during the covenant signing.

by: Nonong Santiago