Ace won't run vs. Gov. Garcia

CEBU – Cebu fifth district Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI downplayed rumors that his brother, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, will run as governor in the 2010 national and local elections against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Rep. Durano, in an interview during the launching of the district website yesterday, said that Ace is most likely to run for a national position, preferably as a senator, depending on the results of the survey.

“But definitely he is not running for governor. One thing is certain - my family dili gyod mi mokontra ni Governor Gwen,” Rep. Durano said.

Durano added that it is never in their plan to fight against the governor especially that the latter has been supportive of his political career since 2005.

Former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña had earlier said that the DOT secretary, together with the governor’s brother, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, and fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon are possible candidates in the gubernatorial race in 2010.

But Salimbangon merely shrugged off such insinuation, saying he would rather concentrate on delivering basic services and development in his own district.

Also, Rep. Garcia sees it as a “very remote possibility” that his sister will be seeking a national post.

The governor herself already announced during her State of the Province Address that she is not interested in any national position as she will continue concentrating on her public service stint here in Cebu. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)