CLAIMS HE LEADS BY 90 PERCENT: Sanchez airs confidence in vice gubernatorial race

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. claimed he leads by 90 percent in the vice gubernatorial race against Glenn Soco, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s running mate, based on the in-house survey conducted by the governor’s office.

Sanchez bared this in reaction to the governor’s accusation that he is junking his running mate, former Cebu City Councilor Hilario Davide III of the Liberal Party, to ensure the support of the municipal mayors.

“Nganong i-junk man nako si Jun Davide, to save myself,” Sanchez asked.

According to him, he does not need to resort to it because he believes that he will win even if he will not campaign.

“Even if I do not campaign I believe I will win,” Sanchez added.

He said this is evident in the result of the in-house survey conducted by the camp of Garcia last week wherein he is allegedly up by a very big margin against Soco even in the latter’s own place.

“Even in Mandaue I beat my opponent by a very big margin,” Sanchez said.

Asked how he learned about the survey, Sanchez said “I have also my dwarf inside her office.”

Garcia told reporters the other day about Sanchez’ supposed text to the mayors and supporters of her One Cebu Party to solicit their votes.

Garcia alleged that Sanchez asked them to vote for him even if it meant voting for her instead of Davide, his running mate.

But, Sanchez said this is just “simply intriga” to destroy his relationship with Davide.

While he admitted having sent text messages to some of the mayors, but according to Sanchez, it happened during Christmas where he greeted them. Sanchez said he even sent a text message to Garcia.

According to Sanchez, he doesn’t need to campaign for support from the mayors because they were the ones who sent text messages assuring him of their support.

He even read some of the text messages to The Freeman wherein the alleged senders assured him that their “friendship is beyond politics” and that they will campaign and vote for him.

Davide, in a press statement, said he was thankful that Garcia is concerned about him. But, he said he is certain that Sanchez remains steadfast and loyal not only to their party but to their candidacies as well.

“If she hopes that such petty suggestions will break up the partnership between myself and Vice Governor Greg Sanchez, I am afraid she will be disappointed,” Davide said.

 Sanchez, on the other hand, advised Garcia to re-evaluate her position with the mayors because he believes that the municipal mayors are loose in their support to Garcia.

In fact, Sanchez said Garcia has started to panic by luring the mayors with prizes if they can deliver for One Cebu candidates in the coming elections.

POLITICKING ONLY

Tuburan Mayor Constancio Suezo yesterday accused Vice Governor Sanchez of using his private lot in barangay San Juan in the town as venue of his political activities and not for the development of agriculture as he claimed.

Mayor Suezo, who visited Capitol yesterday noon, told reporters that one of their supporters discovered after he attended the meeting called by Sanchez at his farm in barangay San Juan. — Fred P. Languido with Jose Sollano/NLQ               (FREEMAN NEWS)