TEAM Rama no more.
This, after Cebu City Councilor Jose Daluz III told reporters last week that “the group has evolved” and will soon be named as “Panaghiusa Federal.”
Aside from the change in name, the group is also expected to expand their membership in preparation for a federal form of government.
“We’ve agreed with Mike (former mayor and group chief Michael Rama) that after this election (last May), we will change the name. For us, it’s not necessary to use a political figure’s name, but instead have our principles,” Daluz said.
He said the plan to rename the group was decided even before the elections, but with Rama running for chief executive, they decided to stick with the group’s name.
They, however, slowly introduced the new name by calling the group during the polls last May as “Team Rama Panaghiusa.”
“It didn’t quite push through because he was defeated. But now, we’re really establishing it, especially that in three to five years, we will be a federal state,” Daluz said.
Following his pronouncement, the councilor said the party will now cover the entire Central Visayas.
With a federal form of government, Daluz said that even Rama can run as senator, and campaigning would not be difficult, with only the Provinces of Cebu Bohol and Siquijor to visit.
While initially opting only for “Panaghiusa,” the group decided to add the word “federal” so it won’t be confused with an existing group of the same name founded by Daluz’s mother Nita, former Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco and Toledo City Mayor Sonny Osmena.
Being a regional party, Daluz said the group should have about 200 members from all districts in the three provinces.
“I’m working on the papers. We’ll file before Comelec (Commission on Elections) and be a registered party,” he said.
“This is the marching order of Mike to no longer use his name because it should be based on principles. These are performance, service and presence. The other principle would be as a federal state, more power to the local government,” he added.
