Sanchez says he's not running for governor against Garcia

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. has announced he is not running for governorship against Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the May 14 elections.

Some political leaders have asked him to contest the reelection bid of Garcia but Sanchez told The Freeman he has not been aiming for the highest position in the provincial government due to business considerations.

Sanchez is the chief executive officer of Lacto Pafi Techno Resources Corporation, and the owner of radio station, El Nuevo Bantay Radyo. His daughters have been helping him run these businesses.

The vice governor said he now has two options so that he can attend to his businesses-either to seek reelection or get out of politics. He explained that a governor needs more than enough time in running the affairs of the province.

Garcia and Sanchez came from different political parties in the 2004 elections but during their incumbency, they agreed on programs and projects implemented in towns and barangays.

Garcia, who is certain to run for reelection, is set to launch her own political party to be known as "One Cebu."

There has not been any confirmation yet on who would be her runningmate, and Sanchez would neither confirm also if he has been on the shortlist for the slot.

The vice-governor however said he has been assisting the governor in carrying out the administration's programs and projects, and that is he has been enjoying attending to the constituents that go to his office for help.

"Kanang ako sweldo, wa man ko katilaw ana," he said, clarifying that the financial assistance he has been extending to the people came from his personal income of his businesses.

The vice-governor's office has no discretionary funds to help the constituents, Sanchez said. -Gregg M. Rubio/RAE