CEBU, Philippines - The secretary general of One Cebu Party and Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia yesterday admitted that businessman Anthony Glenn Soco is one of those being considered to take the place of Vice Governor Agnes Magpale as his runningmate in the 2013 elections.
This after Magpale has turned down the offer from One Cebu Party and forged an alliance with the Liberal Party.
“Definitely, Glenn Soco’s name will be one of those that will be considered,” Pablo John said.
Pablo John’s statement came a day after Soco said he is still open to running for vice governor.
Soco, a member of One Cebu Party, was Governor Gwen Garcia’s runningmate in the 2010 elections. He lost to the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr.
One Cebu Party has reserved the vice gubernatorial position for Magpale but the latter is reportedly running with former Cebu City councilor Hilario Davide, III.
The tandem is set to be announced officially next month when President Benigno Aquino III comes over to Cebu for the birthday celebration of Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano.
“Since they have not denied nga there is already alliance with Liberal Party, let us just assumed nga mao na na,” Pablo John said.
Pablo John said that One Cebu leaders shall sit down and come up in consensus as to who will be the candidate for vice governor.
Governor Gwen said she will leave for Pablo John to look for his runningmate.
The looming break-up of the One Cebu Party and Bakud Party alliance will leave some areas in the fifth district vacant.
Pablo John admitted that they found it difficult considering the established good relationship with the mayors from the fifth district.
Pablo John said the party is now starting to consolidate and re-group in the fifth district to fill in the gap. He however said that the ongoing rift between the Durano clan may help them a bit. Despite the development, Governor Garcia and Magpale maintains a civil relationship with each other.
The two officials of the province were seen together yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center for an event.
“Sorry to disappoint you guys, but we continue to be very professional in our dealings because we have our own responsibility to each of our offices and I believe that is how the people would expect us to behave,” the governor said.
Gwen said she and Magpale has also met in Tabuelan last Sunday for the Ani-anihan Festival and has remained civil towards each other. — (FREEMAN)