Villar still considers Gwen a potential running mate

CEBU – Even when Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia had already declared that she is not interested in seeking a national position, Senate President Manuel Villar still considers her as a “strong potential running mate” for the 2010 presidential election.

Villar is the president of the Nacionalista Party while Garcia belongs to the One Cebu Party and has alliances with President Gloria Arroyo’s Kampi Party.

Antique Governor Salvacion Perez yesterday confirmed that Villar, who recently announced he will run for president, told her that Garcia is all prepared for a higher office in 2010.

“That (Villar-Garcia tandem) will be a strong one. What we are agreed on with Senate President is that your governor (Garcia) is ready for a national office, either for vice president or senator,” Perez said.

Garcia, Villar, and Perez were in Silay City for the 11th Adobo Festival and 3rd Muscovado Competition at the Balay Negrense Museum yesterday. They were accompanied by Negros Occidental Vice Governor Emilio Yulo, Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano, and city officials.

They also led the cutting of ribbon for the opening of the said museum.

Perez, in her message, reiterated that governors from the Visayas are united through arts, culture, and history despite the current political bickering in Manila.

“She (Garcia) might even become your vice president,” Perez told Villar.

Villar, who was wearing his trademark orange polo shirt, was seated beside Garcia when Perez said so.

Perez has announced her support to Villar as president and addressed the Senate President as the “next Philippine president.”

In her speech, Garcia congratulated the Silay City government for their festival, adding that she was impressed by the passion for culture and the pride in place of the city government.

While she addressed Villar as the “most powerful Senate President,” Garcia maintained she would not seek for a higher office in the 2010 presidential election. — Garry B. Lao/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)