Local candidates must debate – Binay

CEBU, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay has vowed to join the launching of the formal campaign of the candidates of One Cebu Party, the local allies of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Binay also suggested to have a debate for local candidates.

Earlier, One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pablo John Garcia had challenged Liberal Party’s Hilario “Junjun” Davide III but Davide did not accept the challenge.

Binay was here yesterday as guest speaker during the 43rd general assembly of the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.

The event that was attended by over 7,000 estimated participants gave Binay the opportunity to thank the Cebuanos who have supported the launching of UNA proclamation rally at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City last February 12.

“Kami po’y nagulat sa inyong pakikiisa sa amin. Tila kapamilya ang inyong pagyakap sa amin at itinuturing din naman naming pangalawang ta-hanan ang lalawigan ng Cebu. At dahil dito, kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat,” Binay said. (We were surprised by your warm welcome, as if we are family. Truly, we consider Cebu as our second home and we are extremely grateful for that.)

Also present were former senator Richard “Dick” Gordon and Zambales Rep. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay, both running for senator under UNA.

Before speaking at the CICC, Binay had a luncheon meeting at Radisson Blu Hotel with One Cebu leaders like Deputy Speaker Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and gubernatorial candidate, third district Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia.

“Ganun kami sa UNA eh, sama-sama, walang iwanan. Ako particularly babalik ako rito,” Binay told reporters in a brief press conference. (We at UNA never leave any member behind. We always stick together.)

PJ said that they are still planning on their local proclamation rally activity which the Commission on Elections officially scheduled it on March 29.

But because the date falls in Good Friday, Binay suggested to have the activity on the first week of April.

Also present at the luncheon meeting yesterday were Danao City Mayor Ramon “Bo-boy” Durano Jr. and son, One Cebu vice gubernatorial candidate Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV.

From Cebu, Binay, Magsaysay and Gordon have flown to Cagayan de Oro City for their UNA rally.

Meanwhile, Gov. Garcia yesterday said that she is enjoying herself in going around the province after she stepped out from her office on January 30 after over a month of stay in protest against the suspension order rendered by Malacañang.

Running for congressman in the third district, Gov. Garcia said that she now has more time to be in direct contact with the people even to the farthest sitios.

“I’m actually enjoying myself,” she said.

PJ said they are having three to four towns being visited a day even the official start of the campaign for local candidates.

He said that his sister, Gov. Garcia, is with him in his visits to towns outside the third district.

PJ said that seeing the people personally could gain their trust. — (FREEMAN)