Despite political differences Garcias vow continued support for Samboan

CEBU, Philippines - The Garcias vow to maintain their personal relationship with the Calderons and assured of continuous support to their constituents despite political differences.

The Garcias made the assurance after Provincial Board Member Peter John Calderon and his brother Samboan Mayor Raymond Joseph Calderon have abandoned One Cebu Party to be with the Liberal Party.

Deputy House speaker and second district Rep. Pablo “Pabling” Garcia said that the relationship of his family and that of former congressman Emerito “Tito” Calderon, father of Peter and Raymond, was established since the 1960s.

Tito reportedly visited Garcia at his office last Thursday, a day after his sons took their oath with LP in Manila.

“Kining atong relasyon nga sulod sa katuigan wa gyud nabugto, di nato bugtoon tungod lang niining eleksiyon (Our personal relationship which we built for years should not be severed just because of politics),” Garcia reportedly told Tito.

Garcia said they have made understanding on how to resolve political issues that may arise in the coming days.

“Many things can happen, sometimes from week to week, month to month and even from day to day or even from moment to moment,” he said.

Garcia assured Calderon, who heads the Association of Barangay Councils in Samboan, of continued financial assistance from his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

“Sa pagkakaron, kay ang Samboan sakop man sa segundo distrito, ang mga panginahanglan sa lungsod ato na kanunay nga giatiman ug gitabangan kutob sa mahimo, wa man ko mausab (I have not changed I will continue to assist and attend to the needs of Samboan because it remains to be part of second district),” he said.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia agreed to her father. She said it has also been her policy to set aside politics since she assumed office in 2004.

Gwen, however said that those who appreciated for what she has done in eight years must be prioritized and give time for the others to appreciate.

The Raymond reported had expressed his support to the candidacy of third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia for governor in the 2013 elections before he and his brother took their oath with LP.

Pablo John admitted that he is not sure anymore if Raymond remains true to his word.

Like his father, Pablo John said it is more important to look at the personal relationships.

Pablo John said that what complicated more with the Calderons was their shift to LP and his choice of former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV as his running mate.

Durano will be running against his cousin Vice Governor Agnes Magpale. Durano and Magpale are both relatives of the Calderons. — (FREEMAN)