Gwen Garcia’s concession speech

Last night, outgoing Governor Gwen Garcia delivered her concession speech. It went this way:

“To my dear fellow Cebuanos: On May 12, 2025, you once again exercised your right to vote --if I may add, your sacred right to vote. In a democracy, this is our greatest weapon. History has shown that many heroes, most of them unsung, offered their lives in defense of this right.  

“Therefore, in my view, to respect this exercise is not just a duty --it is also our way of saying thank you. 

“You made your clear choice, and I heard it. It was loud and clear.

“I HUMBLY CONCEDE DEFEAT!

“Know that there is no rancor or bitterness in my heart. Sadness, yes --but bitterness, no. In fact, I am grateful. I’ve been in politics for a long time now, and in that journey, you elected and re-elected me many times. As of now, I do not want to focus on what went wrong. What I know is that we had a great journey together. It matters not how it ended --what matters is the journey.

“But there is one thing that I am proud to say: In all the years I’ve been in public service, I did my best --and, as a song goes, ‘I did it my way.’

“To my supporters: From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much. I know you did your best, and for that, I am forever grateful.

“To the members of the Provincial Board: I know we all come from the same local political party, our beloved One Cebu. We are not called One Cebu for nothing. We worked and fought hard to build this party. The big political clans that once clashed chose to be under its umbrella for the betterment of our dear province.

“But we now have a new governor in the person of Governor Pamela Baricuatro. I urge you all to rally behind her as she sets out to give flesh to her priority projects and programs, especially in healthcare. Governor Baricuatro cannot do it alone. She needs you very badly. You supported me in all my endeavors --there is no reason you cannot extend similar support to her.

“Politics and political loyalty should take a backseat to the welfare of the Cebuanos. Let that be non-negotiable.

“As you uphold the principle of checks and balances, which implies that you put every proposal of the executive department under objective scrutiny, do not forget that the clock is ticking --and no second should be wasted in advancing what is best for your constituents.

“Let us put an end to the politics of obstructionism. 

“To Governor-elect Pam Baricuatro: my warmest congratulations. I wish nothing but the best in your new journey.

“Towards the end, let me say this: Elections come and go. The heated exchanges during election campaign, the online attacks --whether fair or unfair-- all these form part of the democratic exercise. Let us just take comfort in the thought that we live under a system that allows us to choose our leaders. A system that is imperfect, yes --but I have yet to find a better substitute.

“Let us all come together and work even harder, in whatever capacity we serve. Service --whether private or public-- is still service. 

“Thank you, and see you around!”

Suddenly, the alarm clock rang. I realized it was all a dream.

Honestly, as a columnist, I wish Gwen would step down with honor!