CEBU, Philippines - Moves are underway to unite political leaders in Cebu’s thickly populated districts to support Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and presidential aspirant Senator Manuel Villar.
The move is initiated by the camp of former Mandaue Mayor Thadeo Ouano and should the plan materializes, the group will be called “GOD” - an acronym representing the family names of First District Representative Eduardo Gullas, Ouano, Fifth District Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano VI, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, and Danao City Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III.
Ouano’s spokesperson, Antero Caña, said no formal talks have transpired just yet, but the idea was hatched because Garcia and Villar have similar qualities and track record in public service - qualities that are also present in Gullas, Ouano and the Duranos.
“Cebu province and the country need leaders that are not only good planners, but managers as well,” Caña quoted Ouano as saying.
Ouano reportedly believes that Garcia’s “sound financial management” complements Villar’s “unsurpassed managerial skills.”
Among Garcia’s accomplishments include the P2 billion cash surplus in the province’s budget, the establishment of the Cebu International Convention Center, and the creation of the unified local executives called “One Cebu” party.
Meanwhile, Villar has been “tossed him up” to be the country's leading urban and rural land developer.
"Makaduol pud ta nila Gwen ug Villar anytime kun may problema sa mga buhatunon nga panglungsod," Caña quoted Ouano further.
Ouano reportedly believes that the “unification” of the three political leaders would mean political “strength, economic stability and prospect for a better tomorrow for Cebu and country.”
Ouano, himself Villar’s point person in Cebu, is reportedly eyeing of re-entering the political arena, but remains secretive of the position he intends to run for.
For his part, Red said he is not aware of the proposed alliance. The Freeman tried, but failed to reach Gullas, Ace, and Nito as of yesterday.
Gullas, Ace and Red are members of the National People's Coalition while Nito is a member of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD. The governor, on the other hand, is the provincial chairperson of the ruling administration party.
Just yesterday, Villar officially announced fellow Senator Loren Legarda of NPC as his runningmate in next year’s polls. - Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (FREEMAN NEWS)