Greg Sanchez leaves "One Cebu"

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez yesterday announced he has decided to leave the “One Cebu” party wherein he served as vice president since its creation two years ago.

But Sanchez said there is no need for him to submit a formal resignation letter because the party is “not approved as a (political) party” yet by the Commission on Elections.”

“It is the situation “now” that “dictates that wala na, impliedly out nako (of the party),” Sanchez told The Freeman.

Sanchez said he could no longer wait for the supposed scheduled meeting with party leaders today, “as all has been said and done.”

He said he feels there is “little respect” accorded to him when the party decided to open its doors to Tuburan Mayor Constancio Suezo and his wife, Vice Mayor Rosemarie Suezo, into One Cebu despite the fact that he is very much against it.

Sanchez said he was “slighted” when the party made the decision without consulting him, hence, he decided to step down outright.

Sanchez said that since day one, it was his only request to Governor Gwen Garcia, president of One Cebu, for Tuburan to be given to him and not to the Suezos, as the latter allegedly failed to maintain peace and order in the area.

 “Even a little respect on my side…even the vice president of the party, wa man gyud ko paminawa. Wa gyud diay ko’y value sa One Cebu. Way importance. So unsa pay akong buhaton? I think it’s about time to leave One Cebu, where I’m just nothing,” Sanchez said.

“Niingon sila I’m free to leave one Cebu so sikaran nalang ko nila. Right now I’ll just consider myself not part of One Cebu,” he added.

For her part, Garcia explained that the transfer of the Suezos to One Cebu is “for the unification” of the province.

“We have always moved for the unification of Cebu to keep it one and united. And along those lines we shall consider the application of the Suezos for entry to the party,” the governor said yesterday.

“It’s my policy and it’s the policy of One Cebu itself. In fact, it derives its policy from its name. Above all, beyond narrow political or personal interest, we must look what would be for the greater good of the greater number of Cebuanos,” she added.

“It’s unfortunate that Vice Governor Greg has made it an either/or situation. I would have thought that he also embraces the policy of unification for the good of the province,” Garcia said.

She explained she has “never tried to dichotomize nor make it an either/or” the situation, as it has never a policy of their party.”

Meanwhile, 3rd district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, the party’s secretary general, described Sanchez’ move as “scripted.”

“What I’m reading, long before, the Vice Governor has already made up his mind to quit One Cebu and run for governor. All of these now, Tuburan and whatever issues...these just follow the script, so that he’ll appear the martyr,” he said.

Pablo John alleged it was Sanchez who has started talking to other political parties and issued “threats” of his leaving One Cebu.

“Let’s just drop this whole drama. Kung mao na iyang decision, we can’t stop you from leaving One Cebu. Besides, there is no shortage of talent within One Cebu. There is no problem in looking for replacement. The problem now lies in choosing (a vice gubernatorial candidate) among the many,” he said.

But Sanchez said he has not joined another political party yet.

“As of now, I really don’t know unsa akong kapalaran. What fate awaits me now sundon nalang nako asa man ko dalhon sa hoyup sa kapalaran. I have to discern whatever decision I will have. It’s not easy to decide…I have to consider so many things. I need little time,” Sanchez said. – Liv G. Campo/JMO