AS THE filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) started on Tuesday, October 1, a key political figure in Cebu City has decided to jump ship.

A notable political shift was the transfer of Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel "Cutie" del Mar to the Kusug Uswag Kugi (Kusug) party, which is being led by the Garcias.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia, president of Kusug, confirmed Del Mar’s transfer after the One Cebu party convention that was attended by both Cebu City and Cebu Province officials on Monday September 30.

"I think it's pretty obvious and clear that we will bring Congresswoman Cutie del Mar for North District representative. I just clarified that," Garcia said.

In 2022, del Mar ran for Congress under Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), her late father Congressman Raul del Mar’s longtime party.

However, earlier, in February, former Mayor Tomas Osmeña expressed his group's support for Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos for the position.

Garcia also discussed plans to field a candidate for the South District Representative position, though he has yet to announce any names. Edu Rama of BARUG Team Rama currently holds that seat.

Additionally, Garcia revealed that they plan to file their COCs on the last day of filing on October 8, and will unveil the complete slate in the coming days.

He also explained the decision to sign a “cooperation agreement” with Cebu Province’s ruling party, One Cebu, along with other officials from highly urbanized cities.

"Well it is the cooperation between local parties, of course, and purpose ani is for the 2025 local elections. So magtinabangay as usual," he said.

Kusug party led by Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, the Alayon-Nacionalista party under Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas and the Kaabag party headed by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan signed a cooperation agreement with the One Cebu, currently led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the party’s solicitor general, Third District Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia.

Gwen and PJ are Raymond's aunt and uncle, respectively. (MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Rachel Cutie del Mar
• #BOPK
• #Certificate of Candidacy
• #COC
• #Cebu City North District
• #Kusug Uswag Kugi
• #Kusug
• #Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan
• #Tomas Osmeña
• #Raymond Garcia