Garcia: Candidacy not a desperate move

CEBU, Philippines — Third District Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia said yesterday her decision to run for governor again is not a desperate move so she can stop the construction of the controversial Capitol Resource Center.

"I also know my numbers. I don't think I am that desperate to win because kahibawo man sad mo ana nga maayo ra man atong pagkabutang karon (I don’t think I am that desperate to win because you know that I am already in a good place). Of course, we will continue to work very, very hard. Wala man mi ni-kumpyansa but I think our hard work has paid off... our survey and their surveys are showing the truth (We’re not taking our chances but I think our hard work has paid off … our surveys and their surveys are showing the truth)," Garcia told reporters.

She said one the reasons she wants to return to the Capitol is the lack of projects during Davide’s leadership.

Davide has slammed Garcia, saying the former governor is desperate to return to the Capitol, considering she filed a petition before the court to stop the 20-story, P1.3 billion project.

The project broke ground in February 2019.

But Garcia said of Davide: "I hope he will not fool himself because the people cannot be fooled.”

Garcia has questioned the current administration for prioritizing the construction of the project whose expenses will be sourced from a P1.5 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

She said Davide should have used much of the province’s resources for programs and projects that can benefit the people more like building classrooms and asphalting provincial roads.

Garcia is facing Vice Governor Agnes Magpale in the governorship race. Davide is running for vice governor against Garcia’s running mate, businesswoman Daphne Salimbangon.

Davide said earlier that his administration also poured funds for these initiatives. He also criticized Garcia, saying roads were "poorly executed" during her time as governor.

In a separate interview, Magpale said she will continue Davide's efforts in concreting provincial roads and make this as one of her priorities if she wins as governor.

"During the time of Gwen, it’s true, she was able to fix it pero asphalt, hundreds of kilometres, but dili man maayo ang base preparation" Magpale said. — /JMO (FREEMAN)