Gov. Cagas leads 136 NP oathtakers in Davao del Sur

DAVAO DEL SUR--Nacionalista Party President Manny Villar swore in Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas "Dodo" Cagas and 57 incumbents of the province as the party's newest members in a well-attended ceremony held in Digos City.

Cagas, a bar topnotcher who earlier served as three-term Congressman for the first district of Davao del Sur, said, "We give our support to Senator Villar whose leadership has been tried and tested in both the private and public sectors. He understands the problem of the poor, having risen from it. Thus, he can most effectively manage the country and propel the economy."

The governor (erstwhile Lakas-CMD) led the incumbent oathtakers consisting of six mayors, five vice-mayors, three board members, and 42 councilors.

The NP president likewise administered the oath to 79 aspirants of various positions in the province, who shall be part of a complete NP slate in next year's elections.

Villar said, "Our push to collectively address the problem of poverty in the country is strengthened by the support given to us by the people of Davao del Sur."

Also at the event were NP stalwarts and spokesmen former Reps. Gilbert Remulla and Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc, who planed in from Manila with the NP president following relief operations for typhoon "Ondoy" victims.

In a survey conducted by Charm Radio on Oct. 4 released yesterday in the province, Villar topped the presidential preferences with 61 percent, followed by Sen. Noynoy Aquino (22%), Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (6%), former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada (5%), and Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero (4%).