He's provincial chairman, but Davide not the bet of LP for governor

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Hilario ‘Jun-jun’ Davide III is not the Liberal Party candidate for Cebu governor.

This was the statement made by Batanes Rep. Butch Abad, who is the general campaign manager of LP’s tandem of Senators Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III and Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II and the vice president for policy and platforms.

“Wala pang usapang ganyan. As of now, Davide is appointed by the LP party as Cebu’s provincial chairman,” Abad said in an interview with The FREEMAN.

Abad however said that the party likes Davide because of his good reputation and is willing to make sacrifices for the Noy-Mar campaign in the province.

Abad said that LP still has to conduct several consultations here in Cebu among the various political groups like the Panaghiusa, Promdi and Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan as to who will be their official candidates in the local level including the gubernatorial race.

Abad said that in appointing Davide as LP’s provincial chairman, the specific instruction to the latter is to go around the province and consult the people.

Panaghiusa chairman, former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña said that Davide cannot beat Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The former senator said that Davide has no bailiwick to speak of in the six districts of Cebu.

“Practically, Davide has no bailiwick in the province. Maybe Cebu City is his bailiwick, but the residents in the city cannot vote

for governor in the province,” the former senator said.

Abad however refused to make any comment on the former senator’s statement contending that it’s hard to make a conclusion as the elections are still seven months away.

Abad added that the Noy-Mar tandem is very strong in Cebu and this might also translate to support for their local candidates.

“We are unfortunate to have him (Davide) aboard,” Abad said.

Former senator Osmeña said that he and Bogo Mayor Celestino ‘Junie’ Martinez, Jr. will insist that those who want to be the opposition’s gubernatorial candidate must go through the process and the people must be consulted and not just appointed to run as governor “under the shadow of the night beside the swimming pool in a hotel.”

“If Davide will run without the support of the local opposition group, then we will suffer for another three years with Gwen,” the former senator said.

He added that he still wants Tourism Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano to run against the governor.

But the Panaghiusa chairman said even up to now, the tourism secretary has no official statement whether he is accepting the challenge or not.

In an earlier interview, Durano said that he is not going to fight with a woman.

He’s Welcome, But

Former Bogo City Mayor Celestino ‘Tining’ Martinez III said the entry of Davide as possible candidate for governor will not affect the on-going consultation conducted by Partido Panaghiusa.

In a press conference yesterday, the young Martinez said they welcome the possible entry of Davide, but it will not mean that they fully support him.

Although, he admitted that he and some political leaders in Cebu openly support the presidential bid of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, but they should look into the entry of Davide first.

According to Martinez, Partido Panaghiusa floated three names as possible candidate for governor against incumbent Governor Garcia.

The three are his father, the incumbent mayor of Bogo, former Congressman Antonio Yapha of the 3rd District and Mariano Antonio “Mimo” Osmeña, son of former governor Lito Osmeña.

But Mimo said that he is not interested in seeking public office, as he is busy with his business.

“Daghan pa gayud nga kausaban mahitabo sa dili pa ang katapusan nga adlaw sa filing karong November 30,” said Tining Martinez.

Tining also announced that he also visited different barangays in his district and plans to face off once again with Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, who beat him in the last elections.

Packing Up

The staff of Acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Hilario Davide III have started packing up their belongings in the office after learning that their boss will resign following of his appointment as provincial chairman of Liberal Party (LP) in Cebu.

Davide’s executive assistant Marichu Borres said that they will be forced to leave their office upon the departure of their boss.

The acting vice mayor, however, explained that his staff can still work and will remain in his office until the expiration of their contract on December.

“They have until December man sa ilang pagka-casual employee magpabilin pa sila sa office aron maoy mo-follow up sa akong mga clearances.” Davide said. — with Elly Bolonos, Pepe Sollano and Fred Languido/NLQ(FREEMAN NEWS)