CEBU CITY – David versus Goliath.
That is how former drug czar Yogi Ruiz described his mayoral bid against some of the most established political names here.
CEBU City mayoral candidate Yogi Ruiz (center) discusses his platform of governance in a press briefing on Friday, March 28. (Calvin D. Cordova)
The campaigns of Ruiz and fellow mayoral candidates, incumbent Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcua, former Mayor Michael Rama, and Councilor Nestor Archival, went full blast as the local campaign period kicked off on Friday, March 28.
While his opponents started their respective campaigns by attending Masses, Ruiz held a press conference to discuss his platform.
“We attended Mass yesterday (Thursday) so now, we are here to lay down our programs,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz said he is aware that he is facing an uphill battle going up against prominent political clans in the city.
“It is David versus Goliath but if we unite, this David can take down his giant opponents,” said Ruiz in Cebuano.
While he may be a first-timer in politics, Ruiz said his advantage over his opponents is his “clean” record as a government worker.
Ruiz said he was never implicated in any illegal activities during his more than two decades in government service.
“I have no background in politics. I am a non-traditional politician but I was never charged or investigated for criminal or administrative charges. I have done my job based on the book, I was never suspended as a government employee,” said Ruiz, a former commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas.
If elected, Ruiz said he will focus on solving the city’s perennial problems on flood, garbage collection, traffic, and peace order.
Providing quality healthcare, social services, livelihood opportunities, and housing will also be Ruiz’s priorities.
“I am here as a better alternative, a better option. As a father, I want our children to be walking on the streets without us fearing for their safety,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz is running under Partido Cebuano. He has no running mate but under his slate as candidates for councilors are Ren Ranche, Clarissa Larry Otadoy, and Niceforo Iroy for the North District, and Susan Jaca Berido, Omar Kintanar, Bonel Balingit, Renil Oliva, Arlene Salahuddin, Vic Buendia, and Emman Maranga for the South District.