Debate turns into yell match

A CANDIDATES’ forum organized by Talisay City’s concerned citizens turned into a shouting match between the supporters of the city’s two major political parties. Supporters of Talisay City’s Alayon Party and Liberal Party were placed in the spotlight during the candidates’ forum held at the St. Therese de Avila Parish covered court in Barangay Poblacion last Saturday night. While a majority of LP candidates and only one Alayon councilor aspirant attended the activity, the attention was turned to their supporters who seemed to have turned the forum into a “meeting de avance.” Due to the rowdy crowd and the lack of candidates for a debate, the organizers led by the Talisay City Brotherhood opted to cut short the activity. But despite the rowdiness of the crowd, the organizers deemed the activity a “success.” Candidates who confirmed attendance during last Saturday’s forum were LP mayoral candidate Johnny delos Reyes, his running-mate and incumbent city councilor Romeo Villarante, former Talisay City vice mayor Aberdovey Belleza, Talisay City Mayor and Alayon councilor candidate Socrates Fernandez and LP councilor candidates Lee Consul, Tomas Embuscado, Aldin Diaz, Danilo Caballero, Valeriano Ylanan, Clifford delos Reyes and Serenia Cabanero. Cebu gubernatorial candidate and TV personality Boyet Cortes was also present during the forum. The forum, which began at around 7:30 p.m. last Saturday, started on a fine note when Delos Reyes was given the microphone to speak. But it eventually became rowdy when supporters of both groups started to taunt each other. When it was Fernandez’s turn to speak, LP supporters allegedly booed him. The noise and jeering continued until 9:30 p.m. when the forum was forced to end due to a lack of candidates for a face-off. But even after the forum, supporters of the Alayon Party gathered just near the exit of the parish grounds and started jeering at candidates and supporters of the LP. Fernandez had to assist local policemen there to pacify the crowd. Tony Redoble of the Talisay City Brotherhood told reporters that a week before the forum, they’ve sent invitations to the candidates. However, Cebu congressman and Talisay City mayoral candidate Eduardo Gullas was not able to be present during the forum as he had an important meeting in Manila. While the other candidates of the Alayon Party, except for Fernandez, had prior engagements to attend to, Redoble added.