FORMER Tagbilaran City Mayor John Gessnell “Baba” L. Yap has switched loyalty to Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Abante, thereby, abandoning Cong. Edgar Chatto’s Padayon.
This surfaced last week following Yap’s declaration that he is it in the congressional race against Chatto, who still has one last term in the first district.
The declaration of Baba’s bid for Congress in next year’s elections as confirmed by Calape Mayor Atty. Julius Caesar F. Herrera in exclusive interview, has ended wild speculations that Baba is throwing his hat in the congressional race come 2025.
It will be recalled that Herrera made known Baba Yap’s quest for Congress when he strongly indorsed him last year during the fiesta of Calape town.
The proclamation of Baba Yap for Congressman at the Bohol Tropics was attended by municipal mayor Lyn Iven Lim of Cortes, Corella Mayor Manju Lim, Maribojoc Mayor Romulo Manuta, City Mayor Jane Yap (wife of Baba Yap), Calape’s Herrera, Antequera Mayor Mario Pahang, Baclayon Mayor Atty. Alvin Uy, and Dauis Vice-Mayor Miriam Sumaylo. Also in attendance were Panglao incumbent Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos, former Panglao Mayor Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, Sikatuna former Mayor Jose Ellorimo Jr., Tubigon former Mayor Marlon Amila and former Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan and others.
Baba Yap, then a first-termer city councilor tried and successfully won in his bid for mayor in 2013 and ended up finishing his three terms in 2022. After his stint, he fielded his wife, Jane, now incumbent city mayor.
Meanwhile, many cast doubt over Chatto’s health when he pursues his last term. Chatto’s health, which is supposedly of public concern being a public figure, has apparently been kept to the public whom he sworne to serve in the dark.
He reportedly failed to attend several of the House of Representatives’ sessions in past months, reliable sources said.
His daughter Balilihan Vice-Mayor Trisha Veloso Chatto represented him in most of the social and political engagements lately. (rvo)
