Mayor’s Son Wants Unity, Dispels ‘Gullas Allergy’

Their families may be rivals during last May elections, but Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes’s son said what happened then should be water under the bridge now and that it is time to reconcile if it is what it takes for the improvement of Talisay.

John Eyre delos Reyes, the mayor’s son who happens to be Talisay City administrator, said he is open to the possibility of reaching out to first district Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, especially that the latter’s interest is also with the city’s development.

“Willing gani ako moduol og una ni Congressman Samsam kay ever since wap-a gyud mi nagkahimamat,” the city administrator said.

John Eyre, 32, said he believes the 28-year-old congressman and himself could go along considering that they are almost the same age.

John Eyre’s statement came after it was reported that his family was said to be “allergic” to the Gullases.

“It’s not true nga allergic among pamilya sa mga Gullas. Dili gyud na tinuod,” he said. He explained that his father-mayor is even happy that Samsam is also pouring projects to the city.

He, however, dispelled allegations that they were claiming the congressman’s projects, saying they had no idea there were also similar projects in a certain place.

Hence, his plan to approach the young congressman to talk to him on certain matters most specially those that will benefit the city. “Mas nindot gani nga nitabang gyud si Congresan Samsam sa Talisay. Buhong kaayo ang Talisay,” he said.

It was only four months since the election, wherein his father defeated former first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, but like a good sportsman, John Eyre said “we should all move on now,” referring to all those who would rather put a wall between his family and the Gullases.

He said if they had that “allergy” to the Gullas name, those who supported him in the last elections would not have been rehired when the new administration assumed office.

He said even department heads from Gullas’s ally former Mayor Socrates Fernandez’s time are still in their seats. John Eyre admitted that on their first few weeks, there may be that “fear” on them from city hall workers supportive of the Gullases, but their treatment to them had long dispelled that feeling.

He said even staff of Councilor Eduardo Gullas III, Samsam’s younger brother, can now visit his office with confidence when in the past they were reluctant to.