Chiong Jumps Ship

City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong during his state of Naga address (SONA) declared his support to the Davide-Magpale tandem in 2016.

“Dinhi sa atubangan sa akong mga kaigsuonan nga taga Naga that come your re-election in 2016, ang suporta ug pagtabang under my leadership kinasingkasing namong ihatag,” said Chiong.

Chiong delivered his SONA, which was in view of the city’s 7th Charter Day celebration on Friday, in front of thousands of city residents, representatives of private and public sectors, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, first district Rep. Samsam Gullas, local mayors and other government officials.

Chiong said his basis for jumping ship is the sincerity of the current administration in helping the public.

In an interview with the media after his SONA, asked if he is abandoning One Cebu, Chiong said he was never with One Cebu. Chiong has been with Alayon, and Alayon threw its support to One Cebu’s gubernatorial candidate, Pablo John Garcia, in 2013, and former Gov. Gwen Garcia in the last local elections.

And if now third district Rep. Gwen Garcia comes back to run for governor, Chiong said, his decision may be “personal” but he has already pledged his allegiance to Davide, hence, he is bound to support him if he runs in 2016.

But Chiong said his friendship with the Garcias remains, as “ang panag-amigo di gyud na mawa,” and that he is willing to talk to the former governor if she plans to run again.

In the first congressional district, with six local government units, Davide lost only in Naga and Sibonga, and it was because they had a solid vote, said Chiong.

The mayor said his team prides in making their candidates win in Naga. There is, however no problem with Magpale, as Chiong and his party carried her candidacy side by side Pablo John’s last year. Both won in Naga.

Chiong said the rest of the Alayon camp, with its head the Gullases, is now supporting Davide. But the mayor said they will not side with the Liberal Party, just yet. In the 2013 election and in the past national polls, Alayon linked up with the Nacionalista Party of former Senator Manny Villar.

Chiong has also, however, declared that he is not seeking a higher post when his term ends in 2016. He said he may only run for vice mayor if his brother, Boy Chiong, will decline the post. His daughter, Christine Chiong has been groomed to replace him.