LP-Cebu spox wants admin change in 2022

DESPITE his advanced age, the spokesperson of the Liberal Party’s (LP)-Cebu chapter is determined to campaign for the 2022 elections as he wants to see a new leadership.

Democrito Barcenas, a lawyer and human rights advocate, said nothing has been set in stone yet as far as the party’s plans for next year’s elections are concerned.

“Nothing definite. But definitely we will campaign. I, personally, despite my age, with all my heart and soul, to have a change of administration,” he said in a mix of English and Cebuano.

Barcenas, 83, was a student activist when he was arrested and imprisoned for three months at the Camp Sergio Osmeña in Cebu City in 1972, during the Martial Law period. Without charge, he was released in December of the same year.

Barcenas said the LP-Cebu is planning to put up local candidates, but nothing has been finalized yet as the party is still in talks before coming up with a decision.

He also said there is no final decision yet as to Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III’s status in the 2022 elections.

“Kay akong gipangutana siya, wa pa man siya ka decide (I have asked him, but he has not yet decided),” he said.

He, however, said the LP-Cebu will ask Vice President Leni Robredo to run for President.

Barcenas believes that Robredo will heed the party’s call, saying that Robredo, whom he describe as “anti-dynasty, decent, clean and hardworking,” will not be able to resist the “popular clamor.”

Barcenas said they have also organized campaigns and measures to counter black propaganda and “online trolls” that will attack the party’s would-be candidates.

He said the earliest possible date when they can announce their local and national line-up of candidates will be either September or October this year, just before the filing of the certificates of candidacy. (WBS)