Gwen, 6 congressmen mum about dinner talk and 2013 candidate for governor, vice gov

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

“We talked about a lot of things, but we agreed on the most important thing—that we are still here,” said Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, the governor’s brother.

“We’ve always continued working together. Nothing has broken our alliance. Certainly not loose talk and wishful thinking can break it.”

In 2013, all of them will likely seek reelection except Garcia and Rep. Eddie Gullas, who are ending their last terms.

None of them would say on the record what names were being considered as a common candidate for Cebu governor or vice governor.

Few details were revealed of the dinner that started 7 p.m. and ended past 11 p.m. at the Marco Polo Plaza.

With Garcia winding up her third term, speculation of who her One Cebu party would endorse became a hot topic after the weekend declaration of Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale during her 70th birthday party that “I would give the best of what I have to serve … in whatever position”.

Magpale, a member of the Bakud party, is being courted for a tactical alliance with the Liberal Party for the provincial election. During her party, Cebu City Rep. Tomas Osmeña, an LP stalwart, announced, “I hope you join the Liberal Party,” but the vice governor later said the decision rests with her party led by cousin Danao City vice mayor Ramonito Durano.

Others present in the Thursday dinner were Congressman Gullas of the 1st district who belongs to Alayon and Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano of Bakud, son of Ramonito.

Governor Garcia is president of the One Cebu Party and counts as partymates her father, Rep. Pablo Garcia of the 2nd district, brother Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd district, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of the 4th district and Rep. Gabriel Luis Quisumbing of the 6th district.

The alliance, which ensured their victory in the May 2010 polls, is made up of One Cebu, Bakud and Alayon.

Earlier on, stories were floated that Pablo John, the governor’s youngest brother, would run for governor but he scotched the idea when he announced he would seek reelection in the 3rd district.

Governor Garcia’s daughter, Cristina, was once thought to be on training for succession after she was hired as a Capitol consultant last year with a mandate to “institutionalize” her mother’s programs.

The three-party alliance of One Cebu, Bakud and Alayon was a formidable group in the May 2010 election, and secured the election or reelection of all six Cebu congressmen.

“Well, you saw what happened in 2007 and 2010 (elections). The alliance gives true meaning to the unity of Cebu,” said Pablo John yesterday.

In a separate interview, Congressman Quisumbing said the meeting was no different from other regular get-togethers of the congressmen with the governor.

“There are some projects that we discussed initially that will definitely benefit all of the legislative districts,” Quisumbing told CDN.

Pablo John, secretary general of One Cebu, said their meeting was supposed to be held last December but they had conflicting schedules.

“It was only now that our schedules coincide,” he added.

Asked about the names of the alliance’s choice for governor and vice governor in 2013, he replied: “I would answer you but then I wouldn’t be a smart politician if I did.”

Pressed further if they have begun to shortlist possible candidates, Pablo John answered: “I don’t know why we should do so right now when the other parties haven’t announced any candidates.”

Salimbangon, in a phone interview, said they discussed priority infrastructure projects for each of their districts as they usually do in meetings of the congressmen with Governor Garcia.

Salimbangon said he discussed the expanded PhilHealth coverage for indigents in his district.

Under the three-party alliance, Governor Garcia was able to win reelection in 2007 against Dr. Antonio Yapha Jr. and in 2010 against former Cebu City councilor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III.

Rumors that Governor Garcia may seek a Senate seat were partly fueled by her close friendship with the Marcos family of Ilocos and pursuit of sister-city relations and joint activities with provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu province has sisterhood ties with Bulacan, Pampanga, Ilocos Norte, Albay, Antique and South Cotabato, all initiated by Garcia’s administration.

Garcia, who is barred by law to seek another term in the Capitol, has been mum about her political plans after 2013. With Correspondent Carmel Matus