Reforma endorses Garcia in Dagupan

Reforma-LM has adopted Liberal Party’s standard bearers in Dagupan City headed by mayoralty candidate Ermin Garcia Jr. and Alice Fernandez, candidate for vice mayor.

In a bid to demonstrate its resolve to institute reforms in the country’s governance, Reporma-LM, a major party in the People Power Coalition led by Executive Secretary Renato de Villa adopted Garcia, Sunday Punch publisher on leave, and his running mates owning to Garcia’s platform for good governance. The other candidates for the Dagupan City council are Liberal Party’s Ping Coquia and Rafael Villamil. Ric Avelino, an independent candidate, was also endorsed by the party.

Garcia’s rallying point for good governance is "to serve the poorest of the poor," which is supported by an action plan that impacts on education, sanitation, jobs and livelihood, health, food security and housing. His priority agenda for urban development impacts on environment, beautification and sanitation; illegal drugs, business and livelihood, peace and order, education, flooding, and government efficiency.

Reporma provincial chairman Atty. Felino Bautista said that Reporma issued its own certificates of nomination to the five candidates, "Reforma fully supports the vision and platform of the Garcia team in Dagupan City," says Bautista.

"This endorsement by Reporma of our candidacy is doubly significant as it comes at a time when the momentum for change and reform in the city is now fast gaining momentum," says Garcia, who was also formerly the publisher of The Manila Times. He says that his endorsement should put an end to speculations about him and his partymates’ withdrawal from the electoral race. "We are not withdrawing ever. We are in this election for the people, and not for ourselves," he adds.