UNA to start campaign in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines - The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) is expecting 100,000 supporters during its kick-off campaign in Toledo City next month.

The camp of suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is now preparing for a jam-packed proclamation rally on February 12 where senatorial candidates of UNA will be formally introduced. 

Byron Garcia, former capitol security consultant, confirmed that the national proclamation rally would be in Toledo City and that they are now working on the security measures with their counterparts in Manila.

Garcia said that they are preparing for the event since this would be the first time that his sister would be stepping out of the Capitol to go to a place far from her office.

After more than a month of staying inside her office and refusing to honor the six months suspension order from the Office of the President, Governor Garcia went out of the Capitol last January 20 to join the closing ceremonies of the Sinulog Grand Festival where she danced with the Rosquillos Festival of Lilo-an.

After her dance, the suspended governor immediately went back to her office. Byron said that no less than Vice President Jejomar Binay who chose Toledo City as venue of the proclamation rally since it is situated in the province and it is symbolic as it is the biggest city where the suspended Governor is seeking to represent in Congress.

Suspended Governor Garcia is running for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the  3rd district of Cebu. She hopes to replace her brother, incumbent Rep. Pablo John Garcia who is running for governor.

Byron said that aside from Binay and all the senatoriables under UNA, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Former President Joseph Estrada are also attending the proclamation rally.

Byron also confirmed that all the local candidates under One Cebu and UNA will be present.

He said that they will be communicating with the Cebu Provincial Police Office on the security measures for the national candidates.

Meanwhile, local members of UNA want a separate proclamation rally  in Cebu City on February 12 to serve as a dry-run to the March 29 proclamation rally for the local candidates.

Mayor Michael Rama, standard bearer of UNA in Cebu City, said this way Team Rama will get an idea how the March 29 is likely to turn out.

“Maayo na para mahibaw-an nato unsa pa ang kailangan trabahuon kung muabot na ang March 29,” Rama said yesterday.

The mayor said he does not want to join the provincial rally because they might create confusion among voters in the province as well as voters in the city.

Team Rama volunteers and core groups have started planning for the March 29 rally, Rama said.

He said he will have someone to connect with UNA leaders in Manila for a separate rally in Cebu City. The mayor earlier said a rally with UNA senatoriables in Cebu will be advantageous to local UNA members.

On the other hand, the Liberal Party is yet to organize its own proclamation rally in Cebu.

South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña, LP’s standard bearer in Cebu City, doubts if UNA can pull off a grand rally in Cebu City  (FREEMAN)