Negros execs swear support for Garcia

CEBU, Philippines - Negros Oriental officials have assured Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of their support should the lady governor decide to seek a national position in the 2013 elections.

 Governor Roel Degamo and some of the town officials in Negros Oriental said they will support Garcia, who is considered for a senatorial post, not because of Cebu’s help to earthquake victims in their province but because of the latter’s capability and sincerity to help.

 “Suhito kaayo ko maniid og politiko, lahi ang kang Gwen Garcia, tabangan gyud namo siya sa Negros Oriental (I am really good at observing politicians and Gwen Garcia is different. We will really help her in Negros Oriental” Degamo told reporters.

Degamo joined Garcia in the distribution of financial assistance in the earthquake-stricken localities last Wednesday.

Aside from the cash assistance received by seven local government units, Degamo also received P10 million financial assistance for the Province.

Degamo said that even if they will be of different political parties, still he will pick Garcia for Senator.

Garcia visited and met the mayors of Vallehermoso, Guihulngan City, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon and Bindoy last Wednesday when he personally turned over the cash assistance from Cebu Province.

The mayors wanted to have Cebuano speaking senator to address the needs of the Visayas regions.

Ayungon Mayor Edsel Enardecido even volunteered to be the campaign manager of Garcia in Negros Oriental if she wants to.

After receiving P500,000 worth of check, Jimalalud Mayor Reynaldo Tuanda said the amount he got from Garcia is not only enough for Senator but for Vice President.

The Province of Oriental Negros has almost a million voting population, said Degamo.

“Igo-igo gyud makatabang (it would be enough to help),” he said.

A week ago, Garcia was in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan as one of the speakers during its first Tourism Summit.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn also said he will definitely endorse Garcia for the Senate.

Other officials who already expressed support to Garcia are Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos who assured of the solid vote from the north.

Marcos recognizes that the Visayans who are 48 percent in the entire population are grossly underrepresented in the National Government with only a handful of senators and national appointees relative to the contribution of Cebu and the Visayas.

Some Cebuano leaders who already expressed support to Garcia after her name was considered in the Senate race in the recent Pulse Asia Survey for the senatorial election next year are first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas and former Cebu governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña.

Gullas said that since before, he has been consistent in supporting Cebuanos who run for national positions regardless of political affiliation, even without being asked.  (FREEMAN)