Cebu gov to announce political plans in July

CEBU, Philippines – The decision of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on whether or not to seek a higher elective position will only be known four months from now.

Garcia, who is barred by law to seek another term as governor, has been mum about her political plans after 2013.

Rumors that Garcia may seek a Senate seat were partly fueled by her close friendship with the Marcos family of Ilocos Norte and her pursuit of sister-city relations and joint activities with provinces in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Cebu province has sisterhood ties with Ilocos Norte, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Pampanga, Albay, Antique and South Cotabato, all initiated by Garcia’s administration.

But Garcia said she would make the announcement during her eighth and last State of the Province Address in July.

Last year, she ranked 45th among 70 possible candidates for senator in a Pulse Asia survey.

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who was in Cebu last Sunday, said Garcia would be welcome in the Nacionalista Party should she decide to run for the Senate in the 2013 elections.

Marcos praised Garcia as a “very strong leader” who would be an “advantage” to any party who would take her since Cebu has a large voting population.

Garcia thanked Marcos for his “very kind words,” saying his statement is a compliment not for her but also for the Cebuanos who have shown unity especially in elections where a fellow Cebuano runs for national office.

She cited the recent expressions of support of her former opponents like Celestino Martinez Jr. of Bogo City and former governor Lito Osmeña should she decide to seek a national post.

“That speaks volumes about the big voting bloc of the Cebuanos and this gives us strength,” she said.

Six of Cebu province’s congressmen sat down for a private dinner with Garcia last month in order to discuss, among other things, the state of their alliance.

In 2013, five of them will likely seek re-election – second district Rep. Pablo Garcia, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, fifth district Rep. Red Durano, and sixth district Rep. Luigi Quisumbing. First district Rep. Eddie Gullas is on his last term.

Under a three-party alliance, Gov. Garcia was able to win re-election in 2007 against Dr. Antonio Yapha Jr. and in 2010 against former Cebu City councilor Hilario Davide III.

– Freeman News Service