VG Magpale says: No pressure on polls

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Governor Agnes Magpale feels no pressure even with two political parties wanting her in their respective slates.

In fact, Magpale said, she can choose not to run for vice governor in next year’s elections.

“I don’t feel any pressure. Naa ra na namo. Mahimo man gani di ko molansar. Honest pa,” the 70-year-old said with a smile.

She said she has also remained casual with the text message of her cousin and “political mentor” Ramonito Durano that they would meet once he arrives in Cebu from the United States today.

Durano is the vice mayor of Danao City and head of Bakud Party, Magpale’s political group.

“He said the political scene is getting very interesting in Cebu,” Magpale said. “I said okay. Good. Ana lang. No pressure on my heart,” the vice governor said.

She said it was not her who contacted Durano first.

“Duna la’y nag-report sa iyang office na ang pressure mas grabe sa local. I did not want to bother him sa problema diri, total makahuwat man,” Magpale said.

Magpale said Durano will meet her within the week after he has taken enough rest.

Asked if they would discuss her candidacy for vice governor next year, Magpale just laughed and said, “aduna mi mga sabutan.” The meeting will just be between her and Durano.

In last April 26’s consultation with One Cebu party mayors and officials, the Garcias, which leads One Cebu Party, announced that Rep. Pablo John Garcia will run for Cebu governor and that the slot of a runningmate has been “reserved” for Magpale.

Liberal Party-Cebu provincial chairman Hilario Davide III who is seeking the gubernatorial post for the second time has also been urging Magpale to run for reelection under LP.

Magpale said she would need to talk to her party first and it will be the party that will make the final decision.

It is not impossible for members of Bakud Party to have different opinions on the matter but Magpale said she is confident that the party will not split up.

“Di g’yud na mabuak ang Bakud. Gamay na lang gani mi unya mag-split pa mi,” Magpale said. – (FREEMAN)