“IBT controversy affects Lobregat’s political career”

 “I think the people would be able to decide,” Councilor Jawo Jimenez Jr. said this in light of controversy over cancellation of Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) project. Jimenez, a former political ally of Mayor Celso Lobregat, said the multi-million IBT project’s controversy further affects the Chief Executive’s political career.

With all the controversies hounding Mayor Celso Lobregat, the alderman from District 1 added that Vice Mayor Mannix Dalipe has now many issues to bring to the people. He particularly mentioned issues on water rate increase, garbage, recently approved ordinance on septage, peace and order, and unimplemented projects including the IBT. He believes that Vice Mayor Dalipe, who is being pushed to run for mayor in the 2010 elections against Lobregat, now has the edge over the uncumbent mayor. â??So for me, the mayor is now facing a very big problem as far as his political career is concerned,â? the youthful councilor from Ayala District said. Reminding Mayor Lobregat that in politics there is no permanent friends, Jimenez said people will just turn their back if they see many problems on their leader. Meanwhile, Jimenez branded Mayor Lobregat as dictator. â??We, Zamboangueños, want progress and we want a leader who is not dictator,â? he said. At the same time, the alderman voiced out his sentiment on what Mayor Lobregat did to the RCDG Construction of Ruste family. â??What is clear, we were dishonored. If I were the member of family (Ruste) I will pursue this (case against the mayor),â? he said. He added: â??We have to raise the banner of our family. I feel that I am one of the family (Ruste). We should not allow this.â? (Hader Glang)

Via Zamboanga Today