Gwendolyn Garcia mum on plans for 2028 polls

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia is tight-lipped about her 2028 election cards, saying there is still much time before the polls and that her attention is better spent addressing the needs of Cebuanos today.

Garcia made the statement yesterday, August 24, when reporters asked her about the possibility of endorsing Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon for governor and the possible gubernatorial bid of her brother, former Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia.

She, however, did not say whether she would endorse Lagon for governor in 2028. She likewise replied, “no comment,” to reported plans by her brother to seek the gubernatorial post.

She instead said she would rather focus on what can be done now, particularly on helping provide educational and livelihood opportunities amid the difficulties being experienced by Cebuanos.

“Ang ako ba, layo pa kaayo. Pila pa man, there’s so much that you’ll be wasting on intrigue,” said Gwen.

Gwen said she has long adhered to the principle of letting actions speak for themselves instead of making premature declarations about future political plans.

“Mag sige tag istorya sa 2028, daghan pa kaayog mahitabo gikan karon,” she said.

“It has always been my mantra, ‘buhat ang pasultion,’” the former governor added, emphasizing that she would rather let her work and actions determine what comes next.

Garcia also cautioned against making final pronouncements this early, saying circumstances could still change before the 2028 elections.

“Wag tayong magsalita ng pinal. Ang ato lang unsa man ang atong mahimo karon tungod sa kalisod nga naagian,” she said.

Asked about Lagon, Garcia acknowledged the lawmaker’s support for her, recalling that he had allowed her to use his helicopter during one of her visits to Ormoc.

“I have to be thankful to Sonny. He’s been very, very supportive,” Garcia said.

“When I visited Ormoc, gipahuwam intawn ko niya sa iyang chopper,” she added.

She, however, stopped short of saying whether she would endorse Lagon for governor in 2028.

She said every person has the right to pursue his or her political interests, including those who may already be considering a run for public office.

The discussion on Gwen’s electoral possibilities comes as her brother, PJ, considers another gubernatorial bid in 2028.

“Ako nang giconsider kana nga posibilidad,” PJ Garcia said in an interview on vlogger Jason Monteclar’s Facebook page on Aug. 12.

His possible candidacy comes as One Cebu, the political party chaired by his sister Gwendolyn, reportedly weighs potential candidates for the 2028 gubernatorial race.

PJ Garcia said he had not independently confirmed reports that his sister was leaning toward Lagon.

“A person who claims to have been privy, present during the discussions leading to the supposed decision of Gwen ... I have not had independent confirmation, especially from Gwen,” he said in an interview.

For Gwendolyn, however, the focus should extend beyond the next election cycle.

Her focus, for now, is on expanding opportunities for Cebuanos through the GFG Institute, a partnership with TESDA that will provide two-year diploma courses to underserved communities across the province.

She said she would rather spend her time thinking about what she could leave behind rather than what position she or others might seek in 2028.

“Unsay atong mahimo karon tungod sa kalisod nga giatubang? Padayon nga adunay aguman sa atong mga kaigsuonan, unsa may atong mahimo pagtabang nila karon. Karon, dili sa 2028,” she added.

She also appealed to her supporters not to wait for political announcements but instead support the institute and encourage their children, relatives and fellow barangay residents to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

For Gwen, the immediate priority is to create opportunities that can help people gain knowledge, improve their lives and move forward rather than start the political race for 2028 prematurely.  — (FREEMAN)