Reader's Views: An open letter to Bakud party of Cebu, to Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano VI, to the people of Danao, and Cebu province in General

This is to clarify certain statements made by this representation during my visit last week in the province of Cebu.

I was asked by a goup of media people on my opinion if the filing of graft charges against Gov. Gwen Garcia is politically motivated. Immediately I responded, “Considering the timing of filing of graft cases against Gov. Garcia when she was included in the UNA senatorial candidate, This might be true.”

Never in my statement that I said (sic) it has something to do with local issues nor it has something to do with the Duranos, and with the Bakud Party-LP coalition, among others.

Thus I categorically deny that I made the following statement, which has been published by the local media - “Possibly one of the conditions imposed by the Duranos during their signing of an alliance with the Liberal Party.”

I am extending my sincere apology to the Duranos for whatever inconvenience this issue made to them (sic).

Personally, I have a preference not to deal with any local issues or local politician squabbles, especially if I am not familiar with such issue and if it involves personal friends.

It is a common knowledge in Cebu that even before my association with the family of Gov. Gwen Garcia, I am already a good friend of the Osmeñas, the Duranos, and the Del Mars from way back. Considering these friendships, I opted not to meddle with (sic) their local concerns.

I am a friend of Cebu, and a lover of Sinulog and its people. Thus I hope that the people of Cebu will find peace on this issue very soon.

Sincerely yours,

Joseph Victor G. Ejercito

Representative, City of San Juan