One Cebu intact – PJ

CEBU, Philippines - Leaders of One Cebu Party claimed they are intact despite the suspension of their head, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

One Cebu gubernatorial candidate, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, said that the presence of their party leaders in a meeting last Thursday only showed their solidarity.

Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia of second district, suspended governor Garcia, fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, former sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, acting Vice Governor Julian Daan, Provincial Board Members Cesar Ian Geronimo Zambo and Sun Shimura, incumbent officials and other One Cebu candidates for board members, mayors and vice mayors were present during the meeting.

“Nakita sa ato meeting, nagpamatuod nga nagpabiling lig-on ug wala  matarug ang One Cebu, ang ilang gi-expect nga mass exodus of One Cebu leaders to LP especially human nila gipasuspenso si Gov. Gwen wala nahitabo,” Pablo John said. (We are intact.  The exodus of One Cebu leaders to LP that they were expecting did not happen).

To show that the party is intact, the entire slate of One Cebu will be attending in full force during the proclamation rally of its ally, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), in Cebu City on Tuesday.

Aside from its senatorial slate, UNA’s “three kings” - Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former President Joseph Estrada, will attend and will deliver their speeches at the Plaza Independencia.

The suspended governor has been going around the towns and cities after she left her office last January 30 and failed to return after acting Governor Agnes Magpale ordered the office padlocked.

Pablo John said this only shows that those affiliated with the Liberal Party (LP) are abusive of their power.

Pablo John said Gwen decided to step out of her office because of the assurance of President Benigno Aquino III, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and even Magpale that she can return.

But on the same day that Garcia went to Oslob for an event, Magpale ordered to have her office padlocked.

But Pablo John said the people are happy upon seeing the suspended governor visiting them.

“Mas daghan na panahon ang gobernador pag adto sa kalungsuran, pagsumbong sa mga tawo sa gibuhat sa pikas,” Pablo John said. (She now has time to visit the towns and inform the people of what they (LP) have done).

Garcia is running for congressman in the third district where she needs to campaign for the May 13 elections.

She also visited other towns to help the campaign of Pablo John and his runningmate, Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV.

Salimbangon said that they are happy that Garcia decided to bring the issue to the people because it involves politics.

“It’s about time that we should bring the issue to the people, to explain to the people what transpired,” Salimbangon said.

Salimbangon added that the people know what Garcia has done in her almost nine years serving as governor since 2004. (FREEMAN)