PJ not in a hurry to get running mate

CEBU, Philippines - Third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia of One Cebu Party is not in a hurry to have his running mate in next year’s elections.

Garcia explained that he has already been going around introducing himself while the other camp has yet to decide who their candidate is.

“Nganong ako man inyo siging-sigingon nga ang pikas wa pa man gani governor, (Why are you in a hurry to know when the opposing camp do not even have a governor yet.)” Garcia told reporters.

Garcia is apparently referring to earlier reports that the Liberal Party is still negotiating who between its provincial chairman Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale will run for governor.

While Magpale is a member of Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) party of the Duranos in the fifth district, both LP and One Cebu are courting her.

Garcia and Magpale recently went together for the two days Suroy Suroy Sugbo Explore the Midwest segment a week ago, but both said they never talked about politics.

“We are all here united to support this very important program of the Province of Cebu,” Garcia said.

Magpale said that the Suroy Suroy Sugbo has also been her project and she has been working for the promotion of Cebu being the chairman of the committee on tourism in the Provincial Board.

“Why should I not be here?,” Magpale said.

Magpale was also with Garcia’s sister, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and some PB members in Misamis Oriental as one of the principal sponsors of Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr.’s wedding.

Pablo John pointed out that everything has a process and they have to go through it in choosing his runningmate.

“Relax lang ta tanan, (Let’s all just relax…) everything has a process and we will go through that process,” he said.

LP has reportedly been negotiating with Bakud Party while Garcia said One Cebu has not, although the position for vice governor is already reserved for Magpale.

Garcia said he already talked with fifth district Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI who will set the meeting while Congress is in recess.

“Ako, while they are still trying to maneuver and to formalize their provincial slate, ako padayun nako sa akong kaugalingon, nag-konsultasyon ug mga pagpaila sa tibuok probinsiya, (I am continuing with my consultations and introducing myself to the whole province while they are still trying to maneuver and formalize their provincial slate.)” Garcia added. —(FREEMAN)