BOPK joins minority bloc in 17th Cebu City Council

The 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cebu City officially opened with the announcement of its key officers, majority bloc, and minority members during its inaugural session.

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After weeks of speculation, it is now confirmed that Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), despite securing key executive seats in the last election, will form the minority in the new City Council.

The bloc will be led by no less than BOPK founder and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who now presides over the council.

Among the key officers announced were reelected Councilor Philip Zafra as president pro tempore; Councilor Dave Tumulak as majority floor leader; Councilor Joel Garganera as assistant majority floor leader; and Councilor Francis Esparis as second assistant majority floor leader. All were from Partido KUSUG and BARUG.

The minority bloc will be headed by Councilor and lawyer Sisino Andales as minority floor leader, with Councilor Alvin Arcilla as assistant minority floor leader.

Tensions briefly flared during the session when Andales sought clarification on which party—KUSUG or BARUG—was leading the majority bloc.

"I want to be clarified, which group is now the majority group," said Andales.