Majority bloc in council still unclear

With less than two weeks before the final session of the Cebu City Council’s current term, the composition of the new majority bloc remains unresolved as political negotiations intensify among the three parties each holding six members in the incoming council.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo/ATO

Reelected Councilor Philip Zafra, a veteran legislator under Partido BARUG — Team Rama, confirmed he is among those being courted in the effort to form a majority bloc.

Zafra was reelected alongside Councilor Francis Esparis, and joined by new councilors, lawyer Mikel Rama and Barangay Cogon Pardo Chief Harry Eran.

He also counted ex-officio members Ligang Barangay President Franklyn Ong and SK Federation President Rhea Jacosalem as part of Partido BARUG.

This leaves the incoming council with an even split: six members each from Partido BARUG, the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) of Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr., and Partido KUSUG, led by outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

Despite this balance, Zafra said there is still no certainty on which group will eventually form the majority.

“But I know both groups are trying to meet with the other,” said Zafra.