CDP men know nothing of Rodriguez-Emano coalition agreement

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

CANDIDATES of the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) in the city in the May elections were caught by surprise over 2nd District Rep. Maximo Rodriguez’s confirmation that their party’s leader and ex-mayor Vicente Emano have already forged a coalition agreement on behalf of their political parties.

Councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr. expressed surprise over  the report about the agreement supposedly made by Emano and former congressman Rufus Rodriguez.

Lao said he could not properly comment on the matter because the agreement was not a party decision.

He said there was no party consultation about the CDP-Padayon Pilipino coalition.

“Kami sa city level nga mga membro sa CDP, wala man kami konsultaha bahin sa coalition. Ambot lang kaha sa barangay level,” he said.

Lawyer James Judith, Lao’s partymate and fellow candidate for councilor in the May elections, said a consultation took place in the “higher level” but not the general assembly.

Judith however welcomed the coalition agreement between the CDP and the Padayon Pilipino in order to strengthen the check and balance at city hall, and to send a message to Mayor Oscar Moreno that there is a stronger political opposition in the city.

He said it was merely a “tactical alliance” and not a merger of political parties, and “so unsay man da-otan ana?”

“Dili man sab mahimo nga ang ‘yellow party’ ra ang mag-exist ug magdominar dinhi sa Cagayan de Oro. Kinahanglan man gyud nang na-ay opposition nga magsilbing check and balance sa administration,” Judith said.

Judith said he would stick it out with the CDP even if it pushes through with the coalition with Padayon Pilipino.

He however said he would pursue the cases he filed against ex-mayor Emano and his partymates.

“Sa politika, mahimong  magka-alliance kami. Pero wala kini magpasabot nga akong limtan ang akong nga kaso nga gipasaka batok ni Emano,” Judith said.

Councilor Enrico Salcedo declined to comment. He said of the coalition agreement: “No comment sa ko diha kay wala koy idea bahin nianang coalition.”

Former councilor Roger Abaday, the running mate of ex-congressman Rodriguez in the May elections, said he, too, was unaware of the Rodriguez-Emano coalition agreement.

“I am in Manila since Monday. I have no info. I have to verify first if that could be possible considering the party’s principle,” reads a text message sent by Abaday. “I was not aware, no consultation yet.”