Ex-Cebu City Dad Rejoins May Polls Race

Former City Councilor Erik Miguel Espina who late last year decided to withdraw from the May midterm elections had a change of heart and officially announced his candidacy on Monday.

“Confronted by the dilemma of conviction, where one must be true to his word in order there be a public standard from which people can gauge clarity and truth, contrasted with sensitivity to balance the contention of duty to party, and the loyalty of well-wishers to participate in elevating the democratic process, more importantly, the discourse for conscience, accountability, and clean governance, I am constrained to officially announce my candidacy as councilor of Cebu City in the South District,” Espina said in a press conference.

Espina was appointed city councilor by President Rodrigo Duterte as replacement for James Anthony Cuenco, who was dismissed from government service in 2017 for grave misconduct and dishonesty.

He served as councilor for only five months as he had to vacate the post after the Court of Appeals ordered the reinstatement of Cuenco last October.

However, before stepping down by the end of the year, Espina said he was withdrawing his candidacy without giving any reason. Political observers said Espina saw the chance to get out as it was never his wish to join politics.

“It would have been easy for me to go back to the comforts of my profession and familial life. How I wish it. But how am I to answer to the family of my employees, my workers, my supporters, who believe in me and are ready to forfeit themselves despite fractured promises and broken assurances for their livelihood and wellbeing?” Espina said.

“I am joining this fight for the soul of clean government, that there can be officials our people can trust with their consent, their authority, and their money,” he added.

If given the chance to serve as city councilor anew, Espina said he will “serve as the eyes, the voice, and the courage for a greater Cebu City”.

He said he wants to a see an effective sewage system, evacuation centers for fire victims, a Cebu City university offering free college education, and extension offices of the City Hall in the mountain barangays.

“I am Erik Espina, son of (former) Cebu Governor and Senator Rene Espina. I am my father’s son. I will not steal from you!” Espina concluded his statement.

Espina is running for councilor under the opposition Barug-PDP Laban (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan) coalition, led by standard-bearer Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Partymate City Councilor Raymond Garcia, who unexpectedly arrived at the press conference, said he was surprised but very glad with Espina’s official announcement.

“I am surprised but very happy. Our slate is now again complete. We are going to win the elections in May,” Garcia declared. (PNA)