Sonny O. junks for Jun Davide

CEBU, Philippines - Former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña has withdrawn his support for Liberal Party gubernatorial aspirant Hilario “Jun-Jun” Davide III and announced he will form another lineup for the 2013 elections.

Osmeña yesterday said he reached this decision after Davide reportedly failed stand up for the Liberal Party members in Cebu during a meeting with LP Chairman Mar Roxas last Monday evening.

The LP rank and file is pushing for the removal of public works officials and local government treasurers who are holdovers from the previous administration.

“Davide has failed to impart to the national LP administration, the importance of cleansing, we need an assertive and aggressive local leadership,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña said Davide has shown to be passive, timid and insensitive saying it was not his nature to assert.

“I felt like jumping out of the table, a political leader has to assert and exercise protection and support for his party,” he said.

With the style of leadership Davide has shown, Osmeña said the interest of the party will be best served by a new leader.

Probable candidates for governor Osmeña named to replace Davide include incumbent Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, former National Electrification Administration administrator Fr. Francisco Silva, fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, former Tourism secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano and sixth district Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing.

In a prepared press statement, Osmeña also mentioned the names of his nephew, Mariano “Mimo” Osmeña who is the son of his brother former Governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña, and the daughter of late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez, Engr. Grecilda “Gigi” Zaballero.

Osmeña said that he will go around the province to talk to key leaders and come up with consensus as who should be their candidate for governor aside from Davide.

Osmeña said it is very significant that the Garcias do not yet have a candidate for governor.

“It would be opportune for a new figure to emerge as the candidate for governor of a third force,” he said.

Osmeña said his birthday celebration last January 12 was the opening salvo when he gathered his leaders and expressed his dismay against the LP in the presence of Davide.

Davide, during the said occasion, told reporters that he respects the feeling of Sonny but said LP has been keeping in touch with him as he is its provincial chairman in Cebu.

Davide said his running for governor again in 2013 will depend on the decision of the LP. – (FREEMAN)