CEBU, Philippines - The Duranos should support the Garcias in the elections next year because they are relatives.
This was the statement of former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV who is among those being considered to be the runningmate of Rep. Pablo John Garcia in the 2013 elections.
He added that the Garcias and the Duranos should work together for a better Cebu.
“It’s just sad that Ramonito’s group had to part ways with One Cebu just because of political views and beliefs,” said Boboy in a text message to The FREEMAN.
Boboy is referring to Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) led by his uncle, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III.
Bakud was an ally of One Cebu headed by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2007 and 2010 elections.
However, it recently severed ties with Garcia’s party and forged an alliance with the Liberal Party.
Bakud will be supporting the tandem of lawyer Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale who will be running for governor and vice governor, respectively.
Magpale is also a member of the Durano clan and a founding member of Bakud.
Boboy’s father, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. was expelled from Bakud and also left LP.
He joined forces with his other brother, former mayor Jesus “Don” Durano and they are now One Cebu allies.
The blood relation between the Duranos and the Garcias may not be known to many Cebuanos.
In a recent meeting with the Duranos at the Capitol, Gov. Garcia traced how they are related to the Duranos.
Their mother, retired judge Esperanza Fiel Garcia, is among the three daughters of couple, Dr. Eutiquiano Fiel and Consuela Tan.
The father of Consuela Tan was a brother of Demetrio Tan Durano, the father of Ramon “Amon” Durano Sr.
Durano Sr. had seven sons, including Mayor Boy, Vice Mayor Nito and former mayor Jesus.
Boboy has been visible at the Capitol recently after he expressed his desire to run with Pablo John.
However, nothing is final yet. — /MBG (FREEMAN)