Yt Framework

Former congressional district 2 candidate Samuel "Sam" Enesando has shifted his party affiliation from Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) to the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Enesando, who in 2007 and 2010 unsuccessfully ran as independent under Lakas and PDP-Laban candidate in the congressional race, respectively, announced this yesterday saying he already joined the LP.

"Recently I have already joined the Liberal Party, so in the event that I will be running for congressman in the second district, definitely I will be under the banner of the Liberal Party," he informed local reporters in a press conference.

Enesando said his joining of the LP was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III and Secretary Mar Roxas, LP president during the mass oath-taking of new members following a convention in Bacolod in Western Visayas last May 6, 2012.

"I have already joined the Liberal Party. I am already a member. I have attended the two days LP's facilitators seminar so I'm one of those who can already facilitate and conduct recruitment of new members to LP party."

The congressional aspirant hopes that this coming 2013 elections, the Zamboangueños under District 2 will support and help, not for his personal ambition, but for the development of their district, city and welfare of the people.

Anouncement of Enesando's exit from the PDP-Laban came one day after the visit of Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, the party's national president, in the city last Sunday.

Pimentel met Mayor Celso Lobregat to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the allocation of P1 million from his priority assistance development fund (PDAF) for medical assistance to indigent patients from Zamboanga City and nearby provinces.

"I am still recognized by no less than Senator Pimentel as one of the leaders of the local PDP-Laban here. I have not tendered formally my resignation as president of PDP-Laban Zamboanga City Council," Enesando said.

Meanwhile, Enesando expressed confidence that he will be accepted by Deputy speaker for Mindanao Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar as a new LP member under District 2.

"I have not talked with Beng. We have not met yet. I don't think she will reject me. I think Beng will accept me as a member and even chairman of the LP in my district."

When asked whom he will support in the mayoralty race, Enesando said: "Since this is something new and fresh home (of LP) for me, of course whoever the party's mayoralty candidate...if it is Beng Climaco then we will support her."

District 1 Congresswoman Climaco is the city chairman of the LP party. She remains silent on whether she will run for mayor or seek her third term this coming 2013 elections.

by: Hader Glang