The deal is finally sealed for a fresh political coalition showing the tandem of 1st Councilor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap for Tagbilaran City Mayor and Councilor Anne Mariquit “Kit” Oppus as his running mate for next year’s mid-term elections. The mayoral and vice mayoral partnership of incumbent City Councilors Yap and Oppus has stirred the city’s political landscape owing to the aspirants’ differing political roots.  Insiders revealed that the Yap-Oppus tandem was a result of a series of direct consultation in barangays, socio-civic organizations, youth clusters and other multi-sectoral groups.  This was further bolstered by the results of an independent survey by Holy Name University Research Center that placed Yap at the No. 1 position against three other mayoralty bets of Tagbilaran City. Yap, in an interview, explains, ‘Obviously, we have formed this alliance not out of political convenience but in response to the clamor of the people of Tagbilaran for a new breed of leaders.  This is not a decision solely based on my own but this is a product of a consultative process that allows the public to freely express their sentiments and opinions.  We listened and we heed their call.  As transformational leaders, Oppus and I represent the change that the City seeks and the kind of public service that the City needs.’

Yap’s clear vision for the City of Tagbilaran and his core value for public service have drawn Oppus’ support to this partnership.  Political observers note that the strength of this tandem rests on how Yap and Oppus perfectly complements each other with the youthful idealism, managerial skill and business acumen of Yap together with the extensive government experience and motherly wisdom of Oppus. Since assuming office, Yap has further strengthened his mass based connections in the barangays by personally delivering social, legal and medical services through his flagship project, “B.A.B.A” or “Building an Active Barangay Advocacy”.   These direct interactions established Yap ’s genuine character as an approachable and good person who serves straight from the heart. Yap and Oppus’ commitment for public service is consistent with their choice of candidates for city councilors that is composed of serving city councilor and barangay kagawads.  Despite their uncertain standing in terms of affiliation with any major political party, the ‘Pundok Panaghiusa’ has mustered a slate for the city council that includes incumbent City Councilor Bebiano “Beben” Inting, incumbent Barangay Kagawads Jerry Pabe (Cogon), Joseph “Jojo” Bompat (Dampas), Dr. Allan Ricardo Real (Poblacion 2), Salome "Mimi" Vitorillo (Poblacion 3), Tim Butalid (Poblacion 1), former congressman Atty. Adam Relson Jala, former barangay Cogon kagawad Engr. Charles Cabalit, and Eliezer “Ondoy" Borja.