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