CANDIDATES for the 1st and 2nd District council seats shared their views on pressing issues during the Pag-ila 2025 forum held today, March 29 at the Little Theatre of Xavier University.
Aspirants addressed topics such as same-sex marriage, public safety, political dynasties, vote buying, and Indigenous Filipinos’ rights.
First District candidate Atty. Adonis Gumahad supported continuing Mayor Rolando Uy’s program of adding police patrol cars to combat crime.
“Ang crime rate sa usa ka developing city like Cagayan de Oro, nga mahimong Metro Cagayan de Oro, expected sad musaka ang crime rate,” Gumahad said.
On vote-buying, newcomer Christian Molina Beja argued that money should not be a decisive factor in elections, while reelectionist Bernie Esparcia said improving the lives of the poor was key to ending the practice.
Among the 21 first district candidates, only Kenneth Jude Teves was absent.
In the second district session, Roger Villazorda pushed for more barangay health centers and universal PhilHealth coverage.
“The city government will comply sa mga kakulangon aning mga barangaya,” he said.
Edison Lapiz and Samuel Rollo both pointed to corruption as a major obstacle to healthcare funding.
“Naa ko'y mga kaila nga napaakan sa iro. Maglisod ug adto sa center kay wala’y tambal,” Lapiz said.
On electoral integrity, independent candidate Bj Raven Pitogo lamented the prevalence of vote buying.
“To stop this culture, to give chance to those who deserve more, please bantayi ang inyong votes. It will impact strongly in our tomorrow,” he said.
Law enforcer Mary Chris Mulat called for stronger laws against vote buying, while Anthony Atterviry urged voters to choose candidates with solid advocacies.
“Kami mga empleyado ninyo, naa mo’y right nga mupili ug sakto. Ayaw i-waste ang inyong boto kay para na sa inyong mga anak,” Atterviry said.
Among 28 second district candidates, five were absent: Rene Abris, Gilda Go, Lucman Guro, Ritchell Cagang, and Elmer Cotiamco. Their reasons for skipping the forum remain unknown.
