One Cebu seriously discussing candidate

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the One Cebu Party is already discussing who will be their gubernatorial candidate when her term ends in the middle of 2013.

Garcia said that things are shaping up and they are already seriously discussing the possible candidate for governor. She refused to identify the person.

“We are already looking at a viable candidate for governor who has the competence, capability, winnability and who can assure the sustainability of our existing programs,” Garcia said.

Garcia said she is only referring to one person who “enjoys her full trust and confidence.”

A year after she assumed her third term in June 2011, Garcia appointed her daughter, lawyer Ma. Esperanza Christina Frasco, as her consultant on projects and programs institutionalization to ensure that her programs can be sustained even after her term of office will end in 2013.

The appointment was perceived as prelude to Frasco’s candidacy for governor in 2013.

Frasco was quoted as saying, “I don’t think that there would be anyone else, aside from the members of her family, who would know that best, how much she has tried so hard to come up with these programs and projects.”

Garcia can no longer seek for another term as governor in the next election but her name has been included in surveys for senatoriables.

Asked if the qualities mentioned by her mother refer to her, Frasco told The Freeman that she is “flattered and humbled” if somebody thinks she is.

“But I certainly would not be presumptuous enough to claim that Governor Gwen is pertaining to me,” Frasco said.

When asked if she has any plan in 2013 election, Frasco said, “Coming from a family that is in politics, to do as I always have every election since I was a little girl – campaign.”

The governor’s father, Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia, did not also reveal his plan in 2013 except by saying, “konsulta pa ko sa taas.” (I still have to consult the heavens.)

Pablo served three terms as governor from 1995 to 2004 and is on his second term as congressmen in the second district of the Province of Cebu.

“Ug way mga kausaban, I will seek reelection, pero wa ko mahibawo unsa’y plano sa Ginoo para nato,” he told The Freeman. (Barring any changes I will seek re-election but no one really knows for sure what God has planned for us.)

There are speculations that the Garcias would field a gubernatorial candidate from within their family.

Gwen’s younger brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd District) already announced that he will seek reelection and will not run for governor. — /JPM (FREEMAN)